DATE: 04/01/2002	SUBJECT: FINAL READING ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-069 Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation from the Texas Department of Health for the Hepatitis C Virus Project of the City of Laredo Health Department in the amount of $20,000 and amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 budget for the period beginning March 1, 2002, through August 31, 2002.
INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Cynthia Collazo Hector F. Gonzalez, M.D., M.P.H. Asst. City Manager Health Director
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: On March 26, 2002, Council held public hearing introducing ordinance and instructed staff to proceed with final reading.
BACKGROUND: The Texas Department of Health has contracted with the City of Laredo to provide public health services to residents of Laredo and Webb County through the City of Laredo Health Department. The City of Laredo Health department’s HIV/AIDS Program has been awarded $20,000 to conduct the Hepatitis C Screening Project. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C in our local high-risk population. Hepatitis C (HCV) is one type of virus that can damage the liver, a vital organ that has many functions. About 30% to 40% of new Hepatitis C infections develop symptoms. Symptoms may include fatigue, mild fever, flu-like illness, nausea and vomiting, stomachache, and loss of appetite. Up to 70% of those newly infected with HCV will be asymptomatic and not know that they are infected. Amongst those infected with HCV, 20% will develop chronic liver disease and suffer serious liver damage as a result of their Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). The remaining 70% who develop chronic liver damage will not develop serious liver problems. Moreover, 5% of those people with HCV will die from liver failure or liver cancer, and 15% will naturally resolve the infection on their own. Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne infection in the United States. Severe liver disease from Hepatitis C accounts for one quarter to one third of all liver transplants in the nation. There are currently no vaccines or immune globulin products to prevent HCV. A person infected with either acute or chronic HCV may infect other people, especially if no safety measures are taken. The virus is found in blood and is usually spread by direct contact with blood products. The highest risk of getting infected with HCV comes from sharing needles with an infected person, i.e., for illegal drug usage, injecting steroids, tattoos, etc. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
FINANCIAL: The City of Laredo will receive $20,000 for the Hepatitis C Virus Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning March 1, 2002, through August 31, 2002.
RECOMMENDATION:		STAFF: Recommends that Council approve ordinance.

BUDGET

ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-069

Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute all documentation from the Texas Department of Health for the HEPATITIS VIRUS C Project of the City of Laredo Health Department in the amount of $20,000 and amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2001-2002 BUDGET for the period beginning MARCH 1, 2002, through AUGUST 31, 2002.

WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Health (TDH) is contracting with the City of Laredo to provide public health services to residents of Laredo and Webb County through the City of Laredo Health Department, and

WHEREAS, the City of Laredo Health department’s HIV/AIDS Program has been awarded $20,000 to conduct the Hepatitis C Screening Project. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C in our local high-risk population, and

WHEREAS, Hepatitis C (HCV) is one type of virus that can damage the liver, a vital organ that has many functions. About 30% to 40% of new Hepatitis C infections develop symptoms. Symptoms may include fatigue, mild fever, flu-like illness, nausea and vomiting, stomachache, and loss of appetite. Up to 70% of those newly infected with HCV will be asymptomatic and not know that they are infected. Amongst those infected with HCV, 20% will develop chronic liver disease and suffer serious liver damage as a result of their Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). The remaining 70% who develop chronic liver damage will not develop serious liver problems. Moreover, 5% of those people with HCV will die from liver failure or liver cancer, and 15% will naturally resolve the infection on their own, and

WHEREAS, Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne infection in the United States. Severe liver disease from Hepatitis C accounts for one quarter to one third of all liver transplants in the nation. There are currently no vaccines or immune globulin products to prevent HCV. A person infected with either acute or chronic HCV may infect other people, especially if no safety measures are taken. The virus is found in blood and is usually spread by direct contact with blood products. The highest risk of getting infected with HCV comes from sharing needles with an infected person, i.e., for illegal drug usage, injecting steroids, tattoos, etc.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAREDO THAT:

Section 1: The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute the contract and accept the grants and their provisions as set forth by the Texas Department of Health.

Section 2: The City of Laredo accepts funds in the amount of $20,000 in funds for the Hepatitis C Virus Project of the City of Laredo Health Department.

Section 3: Revenue line item 226-0000-323-4085 funded by the Texas Department of Health be increased from $0 to $20,000.

Section 4: Expenditure line item 226-6065 be increased from $0 to $20,000.

Section 5: The City Manager is hereby authorized to make transfers within the budget as allowable under the General Provisions of the existing general contract with the Texas Department of Health to meet the necessary costs to accomplish the scope of work for the project.

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR

ON THIS _________________ DAY OF ________________________, 2002 .

_________________________

ELIZABETH G. FLORES

MAYOR

ATTEST:

_________________________

GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.

CITY SECRETARY

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

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JAIME FLORES

CITY ATTORNEY