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Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Accept the Mental Health Block Grant allocation from the California Department of Health Care Services to be used to support mental health services during Fiscal Year 2015/16, in the amount of $224,908;
2) Delegate authority to the Director of Health and Human Services Agency to sign all documents necessary to secure the grant allocation, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management;
3) Delegate authority to the Director of Health and Human Services Agency to sign future revised allocations, if any, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management; and
4) Delegate authority to the Director of Health and Human Services Agency, or designee, to sign further administrative documents relating to the Mental Health Block Grant, including required fiscal and programmatic reports, that are related to the grant and do not impact the funding allocation.
FUNDING: Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant funds administered by California Department of Health Care Services through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending acceptance of the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant allocation and authorization of the HHSA Director’s signature on the 2015-16 Mental Health Block Grant allocation documents to allow HHSA to continue providing needed mental health services in the community.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Mental Health Block Grant program provides funds and technical assistance to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and six Pacific jurisdictions. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) receives grant monies from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and allocates funding to counties to provide comprehensive, community-based, mental health services to adults with serious mental illnesses as well as children with serious emotional disturbances and to monitor progress in implementing a comprehensive, community-based mental health system.
The Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) is comprised of funds to 1) support the County in carrying out plans for providing comprehensive community mental health services to adults (age 18 and over) with serious mental illnesses, and to children (under age 18) with serious emotional disturbances; 2) provide treatment to patients diagnosed with dual disorders (psychiatric disorders along with alcohol and other drug use disorders); and 3) provide treatment to adolescents and young adults who experience psychotic symptoms or a psychotic episode for the first time (First Episode Psychosis).
In accordance with Welfare and Institutions Code §§5800, 5840, 5850 and 5897, the HHSA Mental Health Division provides a broad array of mental health services for both adults and children, including inpatient, residential, and outpatient treatment and services, which constitute the County Mental Health System of Care. HHSA has contracted with the DHCS to serve as the Mental Health Plan (MHP) for the County. The MHP’s responsibilities include provision of certain mandated services that are provided by County staff as well as through various contracts with Community Based Organizations. The Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) will be used to fund a portion of these services.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of the Mental Health Block Grant allocation would result in a loss of funding to support needed mental health services for the community.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item to help with mental health services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agreement. Sufficient appropriations were included in the FY 2015-16 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to provide two (2) Certified Minute Orders to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Objective 2.4.2 - Maximize and stabilize available resources for mandated programs.
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director