Douglas County transfers $205,000 in ARPA funds for two-year community health worker tied to Northeast precinct

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution on April 29 to transfer $205,000 from administrative ARPA funds to the Health Department to support a two-year community health worker position. The transfer was part of the board’s consent agenda and the full consent package passed 7–0.

Commissioner Cavanaugh asked for more detail on item J, which authorizes the cash transfer. County staff (referencing the meeting backup) said the $205,000 is intended to fund the position for two years, covering salary (roughly $70,000 per year as described in the meeting) plus benefits and other associated expenses. The position will be administered through the Health Department so the employee can receive county benefits, and the funding arrangement will include agreements with community partners.

County staff described the role as a navigator to connect families and community members with health and social services and said the position would work in the Omaha Police Department Northeast Precinct area in partnership with the Empowerment Network and a local bridging partner referenced in the meeting record (the transcript uses both the terms “bridal” and “bridge” in successive remarks). The staff presentation said the goal is to close service gaps and coordinate with the Northeast precinct captain and other service providers.

When Commissioner Cavanaugh asked what would happen at the end of the two-year funding period, county staff said the county would evaluate outcomes and seek alternative funding sources, including private funding, if the position produces demonstrable results. The board approved the cash transfer as part of the consent agenda.

The resolution’s approval was recorded with the rest of the consent items; no separate roll-call vote on item J was taken in open debate.