Title
Partnership for Mobile Outreach Clinic at the Cornerstone Campus (B)
Explanation
At its December 12, 2020 General Policy Committee meeting, members of the City Commission received a presentation from the Health Equity and Access Advisory Group (HEAAG) regarding the lack of healthcare options in District 1 and provided several recommendations for beginning to address this issue, specifically in zip codes 32641 and 32609
The City of Gainesville’s Strategic Plan and Action Agenda prioritizes healthcare equity and access and with the only free-standing healthcare facility in eastern Gainesville being the Alachua County Health Department, the HEAAG recommended that the City focus its attention first on this area.
To date, the group has reviewed existing health care data from the Alachua County Community Health Assessment (CHA) and other sources in order to better understand the existing health disparities within the community, conducted policy research on public health partnerships, and most recently organized a community health survey to seek input on the priority health care issues for residents of east Gainesville and eastern Alachua County.
Led by Commissioner Gigi Simmons, this group includes members from Santa Fe College, the University of Florida, UF Health, UF HealthStreet, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, private healthcare providers and city staff. In partnership with the University of Florida’s Mobile Clinic Program, Commissioner Simmons’ leadership and the GCRA Department at the City, UF Health will be parking its Mobile Clinic at the Cornerstone site at 2153 SE Hawthorne Road (where GTEC is located) beginning on May 6, 2021 and providing clinic services to the eastern Gainesville community. At this inaugural event, UF Health will be offering free Covid-19 vaccinations as part of this important event.
The UF Mobile Clinic program is committed to healthcare advocacy and believes in healthcare as a catalyst for reinvesting in our community. Furthermore, it’s envisioned that this ongoing collaborative effort help define specific actions and areas of focus for health-related issues in east Gainesville.
These efforts directly align with the GCRA’s 10-Year Reinvestment Plan and the GCRA has been facilitating the placement of the Mobile Clinic and also the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Gainesville and UF Health. A majority of stakeholders polled during the community engagement around GCRA priorities listed the Cornerstone/Hawthorne Road corridor as a priority area for future reinvestment efforts and contemplated short-term programming to raise the visibility of the Cornerstone site. The Roadmap also includes an Economic Development directive to develop incentives for specific markets including healthcare, food production/distribution/sales/restaurants and banking services.
At today’s meeting, Commissioner Simmons will introduce Dr. Grant Harrell, Director of the UF Mobile Clinic Program, and Ms. Sherice Stewart. Dr. Harrell will review the program’s history, offerings and potential schedule for continuing to provide healthcare access for residents at the Cornerstone site. Commissioner Simmons will speak to the importance of this partnership and how it has the capability to catalyze additional improvements to healthcare services and outcomes for neighbors living in District 1. GCRA Director will close out the item with a small tribute to Commissioner Simmons’ work as a community leader and elected official in the spirit of “Sine Die.”
Strategic Connection: Goal 1: Equitable Community and Goal 3: A Great Place to Live and Experience
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
City Manager to the City Commission: 1) Hear presentation and 2) Approve finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding included as backup to this Agenda Item, once approved by the City Attorney’s Office as to form and legality.