The bill creates the Arie P. Taylor sickle cell disease outreach
program (outreach program) in the department of public health and environment (department). To implement the outreach program, the bill requires the department, subject to available appropriations, to contract with one or more community-based nonprofit organizations (outreach organizations) to provide outreach and support services in the community to individuals living with sickle cell disease and their families.
The department shall contract with a third-party entity
(administrator) to solicit applicants and administer the outreach program. On or before January 1, 2025, the department shall select one or more outreach organizations to implement the outreach program and shall give priority to community organizations with experience in providing services and support to the sickle cell community and that meet other criteria in the bill.
The outreach program may include informal counseling and health
guidance, direction and support to individuals and their families in locating and accessing services in the community, outreach concerning activities and programs available to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease, peer support and referrals, advocacy regarding the interests of the sickle cell disease community, referrals for screening, and other services and support identified by the department.
The department shall approve the services provided through a
contract and may consult with the university of Colorado school of medicine's sickle-cell anemia treatment and research center to identify needed services and supports.
Prior to the expiration of a contract, the outreach organization, in
conjunction with the administrator, shall prepare and submit a written report to the department describing the impact of the outreach program provided under the contract, and the department shall provide the report to certain committees of the general assembly.
The bill repeals the outreach program after 5 years.
