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A resolution accepting the Healthy Start Initiative Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Board of Health, to provide a variety of services in reducing infant mortality for pregnant and parenting women.
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WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, has awarded the Healthy Start Initiative Grant in an amount not to exceed $367,620 with no cash match required to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Board of Health, to provide a variety of services in reducing infant mortality for pregnant and parenting women; and,
WHEREAS, it is to the benefit of the citizens of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that this grant be accepted.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Healthy Start Initiative Grant by and between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, in an amount not to exceed $367,620, to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Board of Health, to provide a variety of services in reducing infant mortality for pregnant and parenting women, a copy of which grant is attached hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2. That the amount of this grant be appropriated to the Metropolitan Department of Health based on the revenues estimated to be received and any match to be applied.
Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This resolution accepts a Healthy Start Initiative Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Metropolitan Board of Health in an amount not to exceed $367,620 with no cash match required. The grant will partially fund the third year of a project to improve health outcomes before, during and after pregnancy and reduce racial and ethnic difference in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes.
Language in the terms and conditions of this grant agreement purports to require compliance with a federal executive order titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” HHS has been enjoined from enforcing this provision against the Metropolitan Government through King County v. Turner, a federal court case which is now extended to the Metropolitan Government. HHS cannot impose, enforce, or require compliance with these conditions. In a letter sent by the Department of Law, “the Metropolitan Government withholds consent and objects to the inclusion of any terms or conditions pursuant to the Preliminary Injunction.” Further, the Department of Law stated that acceptance of these funds, submission of invoices, or draw down of these funds “in no way reflect acceptance of [these] conditions.”
The grant term commences on April 1, 2026, and ends on March 31, 2027.