Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with San Francisco Public Health Foundation for the Operation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning and other Gender Identities Behavioral Health Pride Center
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with San Francisco Public Health Foundation (SFPHF) for the operation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning and other Gender Identities (LGBTQ+) Behavioral Health Pride Center, for the term of October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $897,803.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 2016, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) has contracted with StarVista to operate the LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Pride Center (Center, or LGBTQ+ Center), also known as the San Mateo County Pride Center. The Center provides services for individuals at high risk for serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disability and works to improve LGBTQ+ quality of life, address the emotional barriers the LGBTQ+ population and families face in seeking care, and improve access to behavioral health services.
In March 2024, BHRS conducted a Request for Proposals process for operation of the Center. StarVista submitted a proposal and was recommended based on their proven track record of providing services to the LGBTQ+ community and successful history operating the Center.
DISCUSSION:
StarVista, the former provider of the LGBTQ+ Center, ceased operations effective August 1, 2025. Due to this unforeseen closure, and as we explore potential solutions, BHRS requests to waive the solicitation process to transfer StarVista’s services for the LGBTQ+ Center to SFPHF, due to SFPHF’s successful history of partnering with public health and community partners to protect and promote health across the Bay Area.
This agreement will enable BHRS to contract with SFPHF to continue operation of the necessary LGBTQ+ Center to support our clients and communities in San Mateo County.
BHRS is requesting that this Board waive the requirement for the Request for Proposals process due to the emergency nature of the contract with SFPHF, to ensure the continuous service delivery of LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Pride Center services.
A waiver request was reviewed by County Procurement, which recommended submission to this Board for approval.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
This agreement is late due to the unexpected closure of StarVista and extended negotiations with SFPHF.
SFPHF’s operation of the LGBTQ+ Center will address the complex and various needs of LGBTQ+ persons at high risk for serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disability. In addition to increasing interagency and community collaboration, the Center provides increased access to behavioral health services such as counseling and crisis intervention, case management, peer support services, and substance use services.
It is anticipated that 80% of clients served will be maintained at a current or lower level of care.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percent of clients in treatment maintained at a current or lower level of care |
80% 120 of 150 clients |
N/A* |
*Services are for FY 2025-26 only
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
SFPHF operations of the LGBTQ+ Center will significantly benefit San Mateo County's LGBTQ+ communities. LGBTQ+ individuals and families, often among the most marginalized in the U.S., face constant homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, leading to high stress and increased risk of Serious Mental Illness or Serious Emotional Disturbance. LGBTQ+ youth are especially vulnerable, with higher rates of victimization, mental health disorders, homelessness, and suicide. LGBTQ+ adults frequently experience depression and social isolation. Transgender individuals face the highest levels of assault, violence, and discrimination. These issues, combined with intersectional identities and stigma, limit access to services. The San Mateo County LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Pride Services Center will provide culturally responsive, collaborative care to address these mental health challenges.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $897,803 for the term of the agreement. Funds in the amount of $897,803 are included in the BHRS FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Of the FY 2025-26 amount, it is anticipated that 100% will be funded by Mental Health Services Act funds. There is no Net County Cost. Similar funding arrangements will be made for FY 2025-26.