SUBJECT
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Approve the contract with We Care of Central Florida, Inc. (We Care) for the proposed purchase of a cargo van and to fund one full-time employee. (Total amount not to exceed $105,400 for the term of the agreement)
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DESCRIPTION
In response to a Request for Applications through Indigent Health Care, We Care submitted a request to purchase a cargo van, funding for the salary of a full-time Warehouse Coordinator position for managing the inventory of durable medical equipment (DME), and supplies to sterilize the DMEs.
The contract will be effective January 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
We Care, a not-for-profit corporation, arranges volunteer specialty medical care, diagnostics, and vision/optical services for low-income Polk County residents. Referral and coordination of specialty care is provided through a network of volunteer specialty care physicians.
In addition, We Care administers Project Helpful Hearts (PHH) to collect new and gently used DMEs to support those who are mobility impaired due to any physical disability, illness, or injury. Through PHH, donated DMEs are loaned/provided to clients to improve independence and quality of life.
We Care will provide and deliver free DMEs to qualified Polk County residents that are at or below 200% of the FPL guidelines and are uninsured or underinsured. The Warehouse Coordinator will:
• Inventory control and storage maintenance
• Pick-up, process, sanitize, and record DME donations
• Assembly and/or refurbishment of DME
• Delivery of DME requests
• Patient education on proper use of DMEs per the manufacturer’s instructions
Completed applications are required. Once the application is approved, patients may either pick-up the item(s) or request delivery of large items. Non-disposable DMEs will be provided to residents on loan.
This funding request was presented to and approved by the Citizen’s Health Care Oversight Committee.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the contract with We Care for the proposed purchase of a cargo van and salary of a Warehouse Coordinator.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Indigent Health Care Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Joy Johnson, Administrator, Health & Human Services Division, (863) 534-5204