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Council hears health department request to clarify city support for multi‑county nurse‑family partnership
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Summary
Health department staff and a council member discussed that the Port Arthur‑based Nurse‑Family Partnership program serves four counties and that Port Arthur currently provides the only municipal cash match; staff said federal/state contract rules limit direct lobbying by program staff and asked the city to pursue intergovernmental support.
Council member Hamilton Everfield requested clarification Thursday on how the city’s health department supports the Nurse‑Family Partnership program and whether the City of Port Arthur is increasing its cash support for services that serve residents of neighboring counties.
Health department response: Erica Flores, health administration coordinator, said the Nurse‑Family Partnership program serves Hardin, Chambers, Jefferson and Orange counties and that the City of Port Arthur is currently the only municipality contributing a cash match. Flores said program rules limit direct lobbying by grant‑funded staff but that the city can pursue interlocal or county support and that staff have previously approached neighboring counties for assistance without success.
Why it matters: Council member Everfield asked whether the city should increase local support given the program serves multiple counties and that Port Arthur appears to be the only municipal cash match partner; staff said they will meet with the city manager and health department leadership to identify next steps and potential approaches to secure broader regional support.
Next steps: City management and health department staff agreed to discuss potential city support and coordination with other jurisdictions and to return to council with options for funding and partnership strategies.
