The first case of monkeypox was identified in the United States on May 18, 2022. As of August 4, 2022, the United States now has 6,617 cases nationwide, and 134 of those cases within Washington State. The projections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the potential for cases to double each week (Exhibit A).
The Snohomish Health District is still responding to COVID cases/impacts in the county in addition to its regular work across the agency. There is a need to increase staffing now to ensure that the District is able to nimbly respond to cases as they potentially increase. In order to do so, staff are proposing the additional following positions:
1. Registered Nurse – 1.0 FTE
- Estimated cost $90 per hour (using a temp staffing agency)
- The registered nurse (RN) would provide the agency with the ability to provide testing and vaccine to those in the community that would otherwise not have access/resources. The nurse could also potentially help with answering provider questions.
2. Medical Assistant – 1.0 FTE
- Estimated cost $20 - $27 per hour (based on similar listings online)
- The medical assistant would provide support to the RN during testing or vaccinating efforts. They would be responsible for documentation and preparation of rooms. The medical assistant would also be trained on vaccine storage/handling/transportation to ensure vaccine is able to be easily moved.
3. Disease Intervention Specialist – 2.0 FTE
- Estimated cost $87,859 per position (includes 30% benefits estimation)
- The Disease Intervention Specialist would be responsible for case investigation and contract tracing. They would also assist with monitoring of exposed individuals as necessary.
The Health District has the funds necessary to support this work but the specific funding source, either flexible funding or unreserved fund balance, depends on the agency-wide financial results at the end of 2022.