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: Agreement with StarVista for the Operation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning and other Gender Identities Behavioral Health Coordinated Center
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with StarVista for the operation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning and other Gender Identities (LGBTQ+) Behavioral Health Coordinated Center for the term of October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $1,678,140.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 2016, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) has contracted with StarVista to operate the LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Coordinated Center (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 LGTBQ+ 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 LGTBQ+ Behavioral Health Coordinated 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’s continued operation of the LGBTQ+ Center will address the complex and various needs of LGTBQ+ 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.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 80% of clients served will be maintained at a current or lower level of care.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Estimated |
FY 2024-25 Projected |
|
Percent of clients in treatment maintained at a current or lower level of care |
80% (120 of 150 clients) |
80% (120 of 150 clients) |
EQUITY IMPACT:
StarVista’s operations of the he 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 (SMI) or Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED). 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 Coordinated Services Center will provide culturally responsive, collaborative care to address these mental health challenges.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $1,678,140 for the 21-month term. Funds in the amount of $778,477 are included in the BHRS FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget. Of the FY 2024-25 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.