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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 4842 with Only Kindness, Inc., for the provision of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prevention and Early Intervention services, in the amount of $450,000, for the term of three years from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023;
2) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 that it is appropriate to contract with Only Kindness, Inc. for services provided under this Agreement 4842 because (B) “Specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in classifications are involved in the performance of the work;”
3) Authorize the Health and Human Services Agency Director, or designee, to execute up to three (3) extensions of one (1) year each with the same terms/conditions, with no change to the maximum contractual obligation, outlined in Agreement 4842, or as amended, so long as the term does not exceed the end date of the approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-26 MHSA Plan; and
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 4842, including amendments, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: State Funding: 100% Mental Health Services Act.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
In 2004, California voters passed Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). MHSA imposes a one (1) percent tax on personal income in excess of $1,000,000. The funds from the tax are distributed to California counties and are intended to transform the Mental Health System into one that is consumer and family driven, is recovery-oriented, accessible and culturally competent, and offers services appropriate for the population that is served.
Under MHSA, each county is required to develop a Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan (Plan), followed by two subsequent years of Annual Updates to the original Plan. The purpose of the Annual Update is to review existing projects and to make deletions, modifications, or additions to the original Plan. Therefore, planning, implementing, and updating each Plan and Annual Update is an ongoing, annual process.
MHSA established five (5) components that address specific goals for priority populations and key community mental health needs. Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI), one component of MHSA, focuses on education, supports, early interventions and a reduction in disparities for underserved and unserved groups seeking access to mental health services.
This Agreement with Only Kindness, Inc. for veterans outreach services will implement the “Access and Linkage to Treatment” PEI strategy for the Veteran population in the County of El Dorado. Only Kindness has strong relationships and established referral processes with local mild-to-moderate mental health providers, Social Security Administration, El Dorado County Jail, Mather Air Force Base, VA Medical Center, the Military Family Support Group and many others. Through these relationships, Only Kindness is able to provide access and linkage to an array of services including, but not limited to, housing and transportation supports, and mental and physical health supports.
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is recommending the Board approve the Director of HHSA to execute three (3) one year extensions based on successful performance, thereby ensuring no lapse in services from the time the next MHSA Plan is submitted to Board for approval, and the availability of a new agreement. These one-year extensions of term are contingent on the Board approval of the related MHSA Plan or Annual Update. Should the need arise to increase compensation to accommodate the extended term, HHSA will return to the Board with an amendment to the Agreement.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Procurement Policy C-17, Section 7.11, the contractor selection process for service contracts in excess of $100,000 must include a review of the scope of services and contractor’s professional qualifications by a group of individuals (including at least one representative from outside the department requesting the services) qualified to judge the contractor’s ability to perform the services. The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has documentation on file that such a review was performed for Agreement #4842 with Only Kindness.
ALTERNATIVES: Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would continue to provide services through existing contracts; however, HHSA would be out of compliance with the FY 2020-23 MHSA Plan, if adopted, or California Proposition 63 (2004).
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 06/20/17, 17-0551, MHSA FY 2017-18 - FY 2019-20 Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan
2) 03/03/18, 18-0120, HHSA Only Kindness Agreement #632
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the Agenda item. This Agreement for Services is a renewal of a prior year agreement and continues to be funded with Mental Health Services Act funding. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services #4842.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County of El Dorado strategic plan goal: Healthy Communities: Improved health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director