Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item # ___3_____



Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting



June 3, 2003



Agenda Report # ____66______





TO: Mayor and Councilors



SUBJECT: Healthcare Retraining Partnership Initiative Demonstration Grant

(pass-through)



INITIATED BY: Job Training Division

________________________________________________________________________________

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Recommendation: Accept responsibility as Pass-Through Agency for Georgia

Department of Labor Health Care Retraining Partnership Initiative Demonstration

Grant. Amend the Job Training Fund 220 by $100,000 in pass-through revenues and

expenditures.



Background: There is a dramatic shortage of qualified healthcare professionals

in the Lower Chattahoochee Valley area, which is affecting access to health

care and quality of care. The Medical Center, Doctors, and St. Francis

hospitals have contributed over $400,000 to Columbus State University and

Columbus Technical College for faculty support. Local colleges have provided

nursing scholarships and tuition reimbursement. They currently offer tutorial

and employability skills development programs. Three Rivers AHEC focuses on

recruiting youth and adults into health care professions, and also provides

educational activities to retain health care professionals. These initiatives

have not been enough to eliminate the shortage of professional health care

workers in the area.



Analysis: The Lower Chattahoochee Valley Workforce Investment Board will

administer this grant on behalf of Columbus Regional Healthcare System,

Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College, Doctors Hospital, St.

Francis Hospital, and Three Rivers AHEC, who have formed a collaborative to

avoid overlapping and duplication. The two components of the program are

attracting new professionals and bridge training. The City of Columbus will be

the Local Government representative for receiving and disbursing the grant

funds.



Financial Considerations: This grant has no match requirement and no Local

Government funds will be used in the performance of this grant.



Legal Considerations: It is the responsibility of the Local Government, when

acting as a recipient for pass-through grants, to ascertain if the

subrecipients are in compliance with the conditions of the grant.



Recommendation/Action: Approval of Resolution to accept responsibility as

Pass-Through Agency for Healthcare Retraining Partnership Initiative

Demonstration Grant and amend the Job Training Fund by $100,000 in pass-through

revenues and expenditures.