Item 39: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

Backup

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-039: Expansion of Mpox, STI, and Vaccination Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized the importance of integrated vaccination and prevention programs, including Hepatitis and Flu outreach, as essential components of LGBTQIA+ public health efforts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has sustained the loss of $800,000 in funding for HIV, STI, and Mpox through 2025–2026 fiscal planning, and a failed city Tax Rate Election has further resulted in a loss of funding; and WHEREAS, community partners have reached out to the Joint Inclusion Committee expressing grave concern regarding the loss of federal, state, and city funding, which impacts vital health partners such as the KIND Clinic and other community providers that have relied on this city funding in previous years; and WHEREAS, Austin health departments and community health centers serving LGBTQIA+ residents, including community-based clinics and nonprofit providers, have demonstrated strong capacity and effectiveness in delivering culturally competent vaccination and prevention services; and WHEREAS, MPox continues to present an ongoing public health concern, particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities, and requires sustained vaccination, education, and outreach efforts rather than one-time emergency responses; and WHEREAS, recent reductions in federal and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health funding have placed increased pressure on local governments to maintain continuity of vaccination, STI, and HIV prevention programs; and WHEREAS, expanded local funding would support not only MPox vaccination efforts, but also broader STI and HIV prevention services that are critical to reducing long-term public health costs and preventing outbreaks; and WHEREAS, ensuring access to timely, accurate, and culturally competent preventive healthcare improves community health outcomes and reduces strain on emergency and acute care systems; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council approve an increase of up to $100,000 in funding to Austin Public Health to expand Mpox vaccination, STI prevention, and HIV prevention programs targeting at-risk and underserved populations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the expanded funding should support outreach, education, vaccination access, and prevention services delivered through trusted community-based providers and public health partners serving the LGBTQIA+ community. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin restore the loss of $800,000 in general health and mental services funding from last year's fiscal budget, as referenced in the Commission’s March 2025 recommendation outlining subsidies for PrEP access and mental and physical health programming, including HIV, MPox, and STI prevention and care.