DATE: September 9, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Joe Prado, Interim Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding with the American Red Cross
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with American Red Cross to coordinate sheltering services during emergencies and disasters in Fresno County, effective upon execution, not to exceed ten consecutive years, which includes a five-year base contract and one optional five-year extension ($0).
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action, which establishes a formal partnership with the American Red Cross to support coordinated disaster sheltering, mass care, and recovery services when needed during emergencies or disasters in Fresno County. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defines roles and responsibilities, facilitates integration into County response operations, and strengthens the County's capacity to serve the community during large-scale incidents. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board choose not to approve the recommended action, the County may lack a clearly defined framework for coordination with the American Red Cross during emergencies or disasters, which may lead to inefficiencies or delays in providing critical sheltering and recovery services to impacted community members.
In the absence of this MOU, any shelters activated during emergencies would be operated and coordinated entirely by County of Fresno staff. This would include full responsibility for case management, providing three meals a day plus snacks, overall shelter management, and coordination of services-all of which would significantly strain County resources and staff capacity during a disaster response.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The American Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organ...
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