PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's community health worker has one year left of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act and department leaders want to ensure the position's longevity.

At its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, the Board of Health supported including the position in the line item budget. The community health post, which started in 2022, is funded through calendar year 2024 through ARPA.

"That doesn't mean we have to apply for additional funding," Dr. Jeffrey Leppo said. "But I would hate to be in a situation where we are in the middle of [fiscal year 2025] and we don't have any more funds for this."  

There would also be a stipulation of attempting to get additional grant funding. Board members said this would give more flexibility for the position, as it wouldn't be constricted due to the funding source.

Director of Public Health Andy Cambi pointed to the possibility of using opioid settlement funds, which are on the agenda for Tuesday's City Council meeting. Mayor Peter Marchetti requested to transfer and appropriate $510,711.79 from free cash to the newly established special review account.

In July 2021, the attorney general entered into an agreement with the major distributors of opioids. This includes payments to communities to address issues associated with opioid addiction and prevention and the city expects to receive $2,221,991.49 over its term.

"If I were to do that, I would have to change the role of the community health worker to make sure that they are working with more of a substance abuse coordinating," Cambi said. "So that's another option, also looking into other grants that are available for community health workers as well. There is actually some local here."

The department has a total of 11 employees and Cambi said community health worker Gabrielle DiMassimo has been a great resource. Public health nurse Patricia Tremblay said she is a "very talented employee."

Community health workers are often trusted members of the community who can serve as a cultural bridge between providers and community members.

"I think it would also be helpful to have a document that talks directly to the value of that community health worker position," Chair Bobbie Orsi said.

"What has that experience been and how has that position allowed us to expand the work we do in the department with our outreach to at-risk populations."

The board also emphasized the importance of competitive wages to retain and attract employees.

For fiscal 2024, the department's budget is $635,511. It is a $48,939, or an 8.34 percent, increase from the previous year.

Orsi asked Cambi if he had been given any direction on presenting a level-funded budget or other parameters and he responded that he had not.

Also on the agenda for the first council meeting of the year is a petition from Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso requesting the mayor to provide a budget that is close to level funding knowing that contracts need to be fulfilled and to review revenue sources.

During the meeting, Cambi also reported that 2023 was the department's busiest year for inspections.

"From the records that we have, we've never been this high with our inspection numbers," he said. "So it really speaks to how much good work the staff is doing."

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