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 Heart and Soul, Inc. for Consumer-Run Peer-Support Services, Health and Wellness Services, and Helping Our Peers Emerge Program Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Heart and Soul, Inc. for consumer-run peer-support services, health, and wellness services, and Help Our Peers Emerge program services, for the term July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $2,913,318.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2002, the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health identified consumer-operated self-help and peer-support services as critical components of effective community mental health systems. As a key service strategy in the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) requirements, these services are essential in supporting consumers as they progress through all phases of wellness and recovery, including periods of relapse. Peer-support services are cost-effective and have been found to reach and engage mental health clients who otherwise may not be able to participate in community activity programs on their own. In 2009, Heart and Soul, Inc. (Heart and Soul) was established as an independent 501(c)(3) consumer-run organization to provide peer-support and self-help services in San Mateo County. Heart and Soul have been working with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) since its establishment.
In November 2023, BHRS conducted a Request for Proposals process for peer support/self-help and mentoring services. Heart and Soul, Inc. submitted a proposal and was recommended to provide these services based on their proven track record of providing self-help peer support services and their established collaboration with many agencies that provide recovery services...
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