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 Peninsula Health Care District for Allcove™ Youth Drop-In Center
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Peninsula Health Care District for Allcove™ San Mateo Youth Drop-In Center for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Between November 2022 and July 2023, a comprehensive Community Program Planning (CPP) process developed the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Plan for FY 2023-24 through FY 2025-26 (MHSA Plan), which was approved by this Board on September 12, 2023. The planning included review of 44 local plans, assessments, and evaluation reports. Additionally, over 400 community members participated in the CPP process via surveys, 31 community input sessions, key interviews, and a 30-day public comment process. Three areas of focus were prioritized for MHSA funding, including: addressing Behavioral Health Workforce needs, Access to Services for youth and underserved communities, and expanding the behavioral health Crisis Continuum of Care.
One key component of the MHSA Plan was the Allcove™ San Mateo Youth Drop-In Center (Center), launched and operated by the Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD). The Center is based on the unique Allcove™ model, inspired by successful international models in Australia, Canada, and Ireland. The Allcove™ model creates stand-alone, “one-stop-shop” health centers for young people ages 12 to 25 to access support for mild to moderate needs with mental health, physical health, substance use, peer support, supported education and employment, and family support, as well as linkages to community referrals in the continuum of care for more intensive needs. The Center also provides education and awareness, outreach, and service pathways; and therapy and peer-support groups for youth and young adults.
On June 25, 2024, this Board voted to authorize an agreement with the PHCD for the Center.
DISCUSSION:
Starting July 1, 2026, the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) will replace the MHSA. The Allcove™ program has improved access to and engagement with behavioral health services for youth and young adults. Based on these outcomes and alignment with BHSA goals, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) is recommending renewal of these services.
This renewal agreement will allow PHCD to continue operating the Center and expanding access to behavioral health services for youth and young adults, particularly underserved racial, ethnic, and cultural communities. It is anticipated that continued operation of the Center will support increased penetration rates for youth receiving specialty mental health and substance use services.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
This agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 4.6% of Medi-Cal-eligible youth will receive one or more Specialty Mental Health Services.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percentage of Medi-Cal eligible youth receiving one or more Specialty Mental Health Services |
4.2% 2,712 out of 64,592 individuals |
4.6% 2,971 out of 64,592 individuals |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Programs and services funded by BHSA positively impact underserved communities struggling with mental health and substance use challenges by providing direct services and supports, specifically to underserved racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, by implementing culturally responsive prevention and early intervention services. These groups were engaged in the planning and prioritizing of BHSA funding through the BHSA Three-Year Plan comprehensive community planning process, the BHSA Transition Taskforce, the BHRS Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, and the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity, Health Equity Initiatives.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $500,000 for the one-year term. BHSA will fund 100% of this agreement. Of that amount, $500,000 is included in the BHRS FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget. There is no Net County Cost.