BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- Healthcare providers and organizations that participate in the Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program will receive payment for participating in community events.

County legislators approved the measure during the Jan. 22 services committee meeting.

As part of the program, providers and organizations will disseminate resources available to families, community members and area providers at various community events.

Those providers and organizations who participate will receive a rate of $250, legislators say.

According to the resolution, the opportunity to involve various providers and organizations throughout the county to share essential information "would be beneficial for all involved."

In other action, legislators approved a budget modification for the COVID-19 Vaccine Response Grant for $24,353.

The county Public Health Department was awarded $313,036 as part of the grant with "objectives and goals to focus primarily on COVID-19 vaccine implementation."

Officials say the program has incurred higher than anticipated operating expenses and fringe benefits related to the program, necessitating the modification.

Appropriations were decreased for salary expenses while those funds were moved to increase appropriations for advertising fees and expenses.