DATE: August 25, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Joe Prado, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: Amendment No. 1 to the MOU with the Association of Public Health Laboratories for the Public Health Laboratory Fellowship and Internship Program
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Amendment No. 1 to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) No. 25-464 with the Association of Public Health Laboratories, a program funded in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for the Public Health Laboratory Fellowship and Internship Program, extending the term by four years from September 9, 2026 through September 8, 2030, which includes three automatic 12-month extensions unless terminated by either party upon 90 days prior written notice ($0); and
2. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Public Health, or designee, to execute associated documents, forms, reports and any memoranda or amendments to this MOU, subject to approval as to legal form by County Counsel.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The proposed amendment extends the existing term of the MOU between the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the County of Fresno Department of Public Health (DPH). All other terms, responsibilities, and program provisions within the MOU remain unchanged. This extension allows DPH to continue participating in the Public Health Laboratory Fellowship and Internship Program, which provides Fellows with hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development within the DPH Laboratory. Approval of the second recommended action will enable the Director of Public Health or their designee to execute all necessary current and future documents, forms, reports and any memoranda or amendments to this MOU associated with the APHL Program funded in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This authority will streamline administrative processes, support timely compliance with State deadlines, and reduce staff time and expenses that would otherwise be required to bring similar items to the Board for approval. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the Board does not approve the recommended actions, DPH will be unable to continue its participation in the program beyond the current MOU term. This could limit training opportunities and workforce development within the Public Health Laboratory. Furthermore, a reduction in training opportunities could discourage individuals from pursuing careers in Public Health Laboratories, potentially exacerbating the current shortage of qualified personnel in our region.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The recommended MOU does not provide any compensation between the County and the CDC or APHL.
DISCUSSION:
On August 5, 2025, the Board approved MOU No. A-25-464 with the CDC, in collaboration with APHL, for participation in the Public Health Laboratory Fellowship and Internship Program.
The proposed amendment will extend the current MOU for an initial one-year term with automatic renewal for three additional 12-month periods unless terminated by either party upon 90 days prior written notice of its intention to not to renew.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #40, September 9, 2025
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Amendment No. 1 to MOU with CDPH
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander