Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement with Voices of Recovery San Mateo County for Consumer-Operated Self-Help and Peer-Support Services, Peer Recovery Supports and Community Integration, and Wellness and Recovery Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Voices of Recovery San Mateo County for consumer-operated self-help and peer-support services, peer recovery supports and community integration, and wellness and recovery services, adding $1,907 to Recovery Happens events, increasing the maximum amount by $268,924 to an amount not to exceed $1,556,899 and extending the term by nine months through March 31, 2024.
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BACKGROUND:
In September 2020, this Board approved an agreement with Voices of Recovery San Mateo County (VORSMC) for consumer-operated self-help and peer-support services, peer recovery supports and community integration, and wellness and recovery services for the term of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022, in an amount not to exceed $829,134.
In December 2020, the Chief of San Mateo County Health approved an amendment to add technology supports for clients and family members that do not have the resources to purchase the technology they need to participate in telehealth services and online groups, increasing the amount of the agreement by $7,395 to an amount not to exceed $836,528, with no change to the agreement term.
In September 2021, this Board approved an amendment to extend the term of peer recovery supports and community integration through December 31, 2021, increasing the amount of the agreement by $83,373 to an amount not to exceed $919,901.
In July 2022, this Board delegated to the Chief of San Mateo County Health or designee authority to approve a Cost-of-Living Adjustment amendment and extend the term through June 30, 2023, increasing the amount by $349,740 for a total amount not to exceed $1,269,641.
In October 2022, the Chief of San Mateo County Health approved an amendment to add $3,700 for expenses related to Recovery Happens events, for a total maximum amount not to exceed $1,273,341.
In March 2023, the Chief of San Mateo County Health approved an amendment to add $14,634 for Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid classes, for a total maximum amount not to exceed $1,287,975.
DISCUSSION:
In an effort to support those who have been affected by addiction, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence collaborated with local stakeholders to create VORSMC. VORSMC is the only agency in the County that provides consumer-operated self-help and peer-support services for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Through this amended agreement, VORSMC provides: 1) consumer-operated self-help and peer-support services for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders; 2) peer recovery supports and community integration to prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery from substance use disorders; and 3) Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups to formerly incarcerated adults through the Criminal Justice Realignment Act of 2011, and Drug Court clients and individuals as they transition to the aftercare phase of treatment. WRAP is a self-designed plan for staying well, increasing personal responsibility, and improving the quality of daily life.
VORSMC services are essential to supporting consumers as they progress through all phases of wellness/recovery, including periods of relapse. Peer-support services are cost effective and have been found to engage clients who otherwise may not be able to participate in community activity programs on their own.
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for self-help and peer-support services in Winter 2023. A nine-month term extension to this agreement will provide additional time for the RFP process to be completed and allow VORSMC to continue providing services throughout the proposed extension of the contract term.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
This amendment has been delayed due to prolonged contract negotiations with the provider.
The amendment and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
Participation in peer support activities is an indicator of recovery improvement and clients’ commitment to their own wellness and recovery. An increase in attendance indicates that VORSMC is serving a larger audience and successful in reaching an underserved population. It is anticipated that an additional 85 clients will attend peer support/recovery activities from the prior year.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2022-23 Actual |
FY 2023-24 Estimated |
|
Increase in the number of clients attending peer support/recovery activities from the prior year |
85 additional clients |
85 additional clients |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the amended agreement is July 1, 2020 through March 31, 2024. The amount of the amended agreement is not to exceed $1,556,899 for the 45-month term, and $268,924 is included in the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget. The Mental Health Services Act will fund $210,619, AB 109 will fund $33,241, and the remaining $25,064 will be funded by Net County Cost. Appropriation for this amendment can be seen in Org # 61729.