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Chief Administrative Office and Health and Human Services Agency, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Director of Health and Human Services Agency to sign a letter in support of Barton Memorial Hospital’s federal grant application for funding to support the development of a health care network specific to behavioral health services in South Lake Tahoe, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office and Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), recommending the Board approve and authorize the Director of HHSA to sign a letter in support of Barton Memorial Hospital’s (Barton) federal grant application for funding to support the development of a health care network specific to behavioral health services in South Lake Tahoe, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Barton has requested HHSA provide a letter of support for their grant application for the Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program, in support of the South Lake Tahoe Mental Health Cooperative, for the requested amount of $100,000. HHSA has been an active participant in the Mental Health Cooperative for the past two years, and supports Barton's grant application to serve geographically isolated populations living in and around greater South Lake Tahoe. Target populations include the incarcerated, ex-offenders, low-income individuals, homeless, racial/ethnic minorities, individuals living with co-morbid substance abuse addiction and mental health issues, transitional youth (age 16-18), and adults with untreated/under-treated mental health conditions.
Barton conducted a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment in 2012, which identified three primary interdependent challenges: (1) Substance Abuse, (2) Access to Health Services and (3) Mental Health and Mental Disorders. Since El Dorado County has a population of over 180,000 individuals, and over 80% of these residents live in unincorporated areas of the County, these needs align with the goals of the Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program.
HHSA plans to continue to be an active member of this Cooperative, working to review, revise and communicate the Behavioral Health direct service, and delivery protocols as required to foster the success of the network.
ALTERNATIVES
NA
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
NA
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this agenda item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
NA
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
NA
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D.
Director