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 One New Heartbeat, Inc., for Peer Support for Peer Workers
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with One New Heartbeat, Inc. to provide peer support for peer workers, for the term of March 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $450,000.
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BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) provides a continuum of services for children, youth, families, adults, and older adults for the prevention, early intervention, and treatment of serious mental illness and/or substance use conditions. We are committed to supporting the treatment of the whole person to achieve wellness and recovery and promoting the physical and behavioral health of individuals, families, and communities we serve. BHRS is committed to providing peer support to children, youth, families, adults, and older adults and promoting the professional development of peer support specialists as an emerging profession in the behavioral workforce.
DISCUSSION:
In May 2025, BHRS conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for qualified client-run service organizations to provide peer support services for peer workers. One New Heartbeat, Inc. (ONHB) submitted a proposal, and it was recommended to engage their services based on their experience in providing peer support services and their established collaboration with many agencies that provide recovery services. The RFP process was completed in late September.
Peer Support for Peer Workers is a pilot project for the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Innovation (INN). This project will pilot best practices in peer support for peer workers that work at BHRS or at BHRS-contracted community-based orga...
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