DATE: September 9, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Joe Prado, Interim Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: MOU with California Department of Public Health and the Association of Public Health Laboratories
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Laboratories, a joint initiative, designated for the Public Health Laboratory Fellowship and Internship Program, for qualified participants to gain valuable career experience, effective as of the date first signed by both parties for a period of one year after the effective date ($0); and
2. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Public Health, or designee, to be the signatory on behalf of the Board of Supervisors on associated documents, forms and reports.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) outlines a collaborative effort to provide a comprehensive learning experience in an operational public health laboratory. This initiative aims to offer participants hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world diagnostic, surveillance, and research practices vital to public health preparedness and response. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the recommended actions, there will continue to be a shortage of skilled professionals in the local laboratory workforce. The lack of training opportunities could deter individuals from pursuing careers in laboratory sciences in our region.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The recommended MOU does not provide any compensation between the Count...
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