Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $300,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The Memorial Hermann Hospital System (MHHS) will utilize the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to procure emergency medical and forensic equipment for communication and security purposes. The safe and effective operations of emergency medical and forensic services are vital to communities and to those who have suffered as a result of criminal activities. Such operations are particularly challenging since they require well-maintained transport, medical and forensic equipment, highly-trained personnel, continuous coverage, and teamwork.
The MHHS Life Flight Program, which includes an integrated Forensic Nursing Team, serves the City of Houston and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. The Operations Center, which is responsible for scheduling personnel, helicopters, and flights, is currently using a communications and operations software system that is outdated and ready for replacement. The MHHS will use grant funds to purchase state-of-the-art components that would complement and complete the computerized communication and data system, transforming the Life Flight Operations Center into one of the most modern and sophisticated of the air ambulance and emergency medical and forensic programs within the United States. Grant funds will cover equipment costs to operate the Life Flight Center (toughbook computers and software, black box and SpectraLink phones, desktops/monitors, paging system, call recorder system, and camera security system).
NCA/NCF