Title
Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 013-S1711 with New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc., for the provision of Latino Outreach services, on an “as requested” basis, for the term July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019, with a maximum contractual obligation of $288,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 013-S1711, 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: Mental Health Services Act.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 013-S1711 for the term July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019, with a maximum obligation of $288,000 for the term of the agreement, to ensure continuation of this specialized and successful Latino Outreach program.
The Latino Outreach program is a highly effective and culturally specific intervention strategy program utilizing the Promotora model, and provides outreach, engagement, and early intervention services. The program reduces barriers to mental health care access while decreasing the health disparities experienced by the Latino population. The program is focused on connecting the Latino population with needed services.
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor who can provide specialized Prevention and Early Intervention services via an outreach program specific to the Latino population.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In 2004 California voters passed Proposition 63, the MHSA. The MHSA imposes a one 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.
On August 25, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted and authorized implementation of the MHSA Three-Year Plan Update, which covers Fiscal Years (FY) 2015-16 through FY 2017-18 (File 15-0964, Item 19). Under Prevention and Early Intervention Component of the MHSA Plan is the Health Disparities Program, Latino Outreach Project.
The Latino Outreach Project addresses isolation in the Spanish-speaking or limited English-speaking Latino population. The Latino population faces the potential of isolation and challenges to transportation due to the spread-out geography of the County. Additionally, this population potentially has language barriers, resulting in further challenges in accessing services. The Latino Outreach Project is designed to improve access and improve the accuracy of diagnosis through the use of appropriate and individualized service planning and delivery, use of effective integration of client families into services, and use of community resources. The long-term goals of the Project include reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, achievement of integration of prevention programs already offered in the community, and a reduction in suicide, incarcerations, and school failure or dropouts.
Having provided Latino Outreach services through Agreement for Services 329-S1411 for the term November 12, 2013 through June 30, 2016, this renewal Agreement for Services 013-S1711 with New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc. will allow for continuity of services provided under the prior agreement.
With the Board’s approval of the MHSA Plan Update in 2015, the Board authorized implementation of the Three-year Plan through June 30, 2016, and on June 13, 2016, the Board approved the annual update to the plan. This project is included in the current plan update and is funded from the Prevention and Early Intervention component of the MHSA plan.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 013-S1711 will result in an inability to meet the Latino Outreach requirements outlined in the MHSA Plan Update and will require HHSA to seek an alternate method for providing Latino Outreach program services.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Human Resources, Procurement and Contracts, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Agency’s fiscal year 2016-17 Budget Request, 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 013-S1711.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Objective 3.3.3 “Develop and implement programs in alignment with the currently approved Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Plan.”
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director