Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorization for the Mayor to sign a letter of support for Kaweah Health’s request to the California State Senate for $3.5 million to provide housing for visiting medical students, physician residents, and other visiting medical learners.
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Deadline for Action: 5/3/2021
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Leslie B. Caviglia, 713-4332
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Visalia City Council authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for Kaweah Health’s request to the California State Senate for housing funding.
Background Discussion:
Kaweah Health has submitted a proposal through Senator Shannon Grove to provide funding for housing that would serve visiting medical students, physician residents and other visiting medical learners when they come to serve with Kaweah Health.
In 2016, Kaweah Health became a teaching institution and they currently train 130 physician residents in six specialties, including family medicine, psychiatry, general surgery, emergency medicine, anesthesia, and transitional year. This year, they started a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. Being a teaching institution brings much needed additional medical resources to the community, and some of those who train here decide to make it their home.
However, the organization has a hard time finding appropriate housing, especially for those in training that cycle in for 4-6 weeks. Kaweah Health has requested funding from the State to repurpose a hotel and convert it into short-term housing for people training in Visalia.
A draft copy of the letter is attached for Council’s consideration.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Prior Council Action: None.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: To not provide a letter or support, or to alter the wording in the letter.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for Kaweah Delta’s request for short-terming housing funding from the State of California through a State Senate budget request
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: N/A