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 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 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 for the term July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $374,064.
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BACKGROUND:
Peer support 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.
In January 2024, Behavioral Health, and Recovery Services (BHRS) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek qualified client-run service organizations to provide peer support services for those with a history of substance use disorders. The anticipated duration of the agreement was for three years, with an option to renew for an additional two years. Voices of Recovery San Mateo County (VORSMC), which has been providing peer support services to BHRS since 2011, was the only responding bidder.
BHRS is elevating VORSMC to provide services under this agreement due to their expertise in the recovery model for peer support services, their tenure with the County in supporting clients who are recovering from substance addictions, and their continued efforts in coaching clients and supporting them with connections to housing, employment, education, and health services.
DISCUSSION:
Through this agreement, VORSMC will provide: 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, 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.
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 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 the contractor 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, for a total of 935 clients in FY2024-25.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Estimated |
FY 2024-25 Projected |
|
Number of clients attending peer support/recovery activities |
850 clients |
935 additional clients |
EQUITY IMPACT:
This contract will positively impact the behavioral health of low-income residents in need of substance use peer recovery supports and community integration, as well as wellness and recovery services. VORSMC offers bilingual and bicultural wellness and recovery services and WRAP group sessions for those with a history of substance use disorders in convenient locations across San Mateo County, with the aim of helping residents to achieve long term wellness and recovery. VORSMC is essential to assure equitable access to quality care to underserved and vulnerable people in San Mateo County. Most of clients have co-occurring mental health needs and other complex needs including homelessness, justice system involvement, and other physical health conditions.
To advance health equity, improve quality, and help eliminate health disparities, the County requires providers to comply with National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Service standards. Each provider is required to submit an annual cultural competence plan that details current and future efforts to address the diverse needs of clients, families and the workforce in San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $374,064 for the one-year term. One hundred percent, or $374,064, is included in the BHRS FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget. Mental Health Services Act will fund $147,500, 2011 Realignment will fund $48,651, AB 109 will fund $41,777, and Net County Cost will fund $136,136.
Attachment:
RFP Matrix