SUBJECT
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Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and enter into a contract from the University Health for the Gilead FOCUS Grant, amending the FY2025-2026 budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $50,397.00, with no match for the City of Laredo Public Health Department, for the term January 01, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Funds will be accounted for in the Laredo Public Health Department Fund - Gilead FOCUS Grant.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal 7.1: Improve access to health services for all residents.
• Policy 7.1.1: Expand access to preventive healthcare services in underserved neighborhoods.
• Policy 7.1.4: Increase access to specialized care and early intervention services for vulnerable populations.
• Goal 7.2: Prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases in the community.
• Policy 7.2.3: Support prevention, testing, and treatment programs for HIV, hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases.
• Goal 7.4: Foster a culture of health through education and public health initiatives.
Summary of alignment: This ordinance aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by expanding routine, opt-out HIV screening and strengthening early linkage to care and prevention services. The Gilead FOCUS Grant promotes disease prevention, reduces stigma associated with HIV testing, and improves access to comprehensive HIV and HCV services, particularly for underserved populations. Through collaboration with regional healthcare providers and community partners, the initiative advances the Plan’s goals of improving preventive care access, controlling communicable diseases, and fostering a culture of health and awareness across the community.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
University Health is the region’s largest provider of specialty HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) care in South Texas and will serve as the lead entity for a collaborative, knowledge-sharing approach through the City of Laredo Public Health Department. The initiative will implement opt-out routine HIV screening, ensuring timely linkage to care for individuals diagnosed with HIV and access to comprehensive HIV prevention services for eligible patients. In collaboration with community partners and organizations the program will raise awareness about the importance of knowing one’s HIV status. By promoting accessible testing sites and normalizing routine, opt-out screening, the initiative aims to destigmatize HIV testing and encourage broader community participation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approves the Introductory Ordinance.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: Gilead FOCUS Grant
Account #: 226-6413
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The revenue account is 226-0000-326-2014 and the expenditure division is 226-6413 with Project Number HEGF01.