Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 043-S1811 with Foothill Indian Education Alliance, for the provision of culturally specific Native American prevention and early intervention mental health services, for the term July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020, with a maximum contractual obligation of $377,250; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 043-S1811, 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.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 043-S1811 with Foothill Indian Education Alliance, for the provision of culturally specific Native American prevention and early intervention mental health services. These services are consistent with those outlined in the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Plan and Three-year Plan-Updates. Approval of this Agreement will ensure HHSA will continue to meet the community service demands.
Additionally, HHSA has determined that due to the special skills and qualifications involved in the performance of the work, and in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for culturally-specific Native American prevention and early intervention services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In 2004, California voters passed Proposition 63, the MHSA. The 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.
On August 26, 2014, the Board approved the MHSA Three-Year Plan, which covers Fiscal Years (FY) 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 (File 14-0806, Item 35). With each MHSA Three-Year Plan, there are Annual Updates. On August 25, 2015 and June 13, 2016, the Board approved Annual Updates (File 15-0964, Item 19 and File 15-0964, Item 2). It is anticipated that HHSA will present the next Three-Year Plan in June 2017, which will cover FY 2017-18, FY 2018-19, and FY 2019-20.
Under the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Component of the MHSA Plan is the “Health Disparities Program.” El Dorado County’s Native American Resource Collaborative has designed a program called “Wennem Wadati: A Native Path to Healing,” which applies a combination of mental health services and traditional cultural teachings unique to the local Native American community. The Program uses various prevention strategies to address all age groups in the target population with the intent to maintain mental health well-being, improve wellness, and decrease health disparities experienced by the Native American community.
HHSA has contracted with Foothill Indian Education Alliance, specifically for Wennem Wadati: A Native Path to Healing since 2010. Foothill Indian Education Alliance provides specialized services and they have established trust with the Native American community.
Although no substantive changes are anticipated, should the approved MHSA Three-Year Plan for FY 2017-18 through 2019-20 differ materially from the current draft, impacting this Agreement, HHSA will amend this Agreement or rely on language which provides for cancellation, if appropriate.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 043-S1811 will result in an inability of HHSA to meet the PEI Component/Health Disparities Program Project requirements of the MHSA Plan.
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 fiscal year 2016-17 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 043-S1811.
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
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director