Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Chester J. Kunnappilly, MD, Chief Executive Officer, San Mateo Medical Center
Subject: Agreement with Palo Alto University to Provide Behavioral Health Expansion Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Palo Alto University to provide behavioral health expansion services for the term of February 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $245,000.
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BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County Health has been awarded the Health Care for the Homeless/Farmworker Health (HCH/FH) grant from the Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Services and Resources Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The grant funds San Mateo Medical Center’s (SMMC) ongoing HCH/FH program, which is designed to assist homeless and farmworker adults, families, and youth with access to and utilization of SMMC’s continuum of care and other medical, health and support services. In August 2024, the HCH/FH program completed a Request for Proposals for expansion services of behavioral health services.
DISCUSSION:
HCH/FH requested proposals for qualified contractor(s) to provide comprehensive mental health services and/or substance use disorder services to underserved populations in San Mateo County. Palo Alto University (PAU) was elevated to provide mental health services for homeless individuals in San Mateo County due to their extensive expertise and longstanding commitment to underserved communities. Since 1975, PAU has been a leader in mental health education and clinical services, offering trauma-informed care through in-person and telehealth platforms to ensure accessibility. Its partnerships with local organizations, such as Abode, further align with the County’s goals. Including PAU diversifies our contractor portfolio by adding a research-driven academic institution with a robust supervision plan, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based service delivery. This agreement is going to this Board late due to prolonged negotiations with the vendor.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
It is anticipated that PAU will deliver one-on-one mental health treatment to a minimum of 70 unique clients per year.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
Number of unique clients PAU will deliver one-on-one mental health treatment to per year |
35 clients |
70 clients |
EQUITY IMPACT:
The HCH/FH program is dedicated to providing comprehensive, culturally competent, and accessible healthcare services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The HCH/FH program serves individuals experiencing homelessness and farmworkers, including their dependents. On average, the program serves approximately 5,000 unique patients a year (1,200 farmworkers and 3,800 homeless). The HCH/FH program ensures continuity and addresses the unique needs of this vulnerable population. By collaborating with community partners, the program continuously adapts to reduce health disparities and promote long-term health outcomes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is February 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $245,000 for the two-year term. Funds in the amount of $61,250 are included in the SMMC FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget. Funds in the amount of $122,500 will be included in the SMMC FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget.
The cost of the agreement is grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services as indicated above. As a result, entering into the agreement is not expected to cause a net fiscal impact due to inclusion of those funds within SMMC’s budget.
ATTACHMENT:
RFP Matrix