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 Free at Last for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Free at Last for substance use disorder treatment services for the term of June 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $1,510,752.
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BACKGROUND:
For over 20 years, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) has contracted with Free at Last for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery services, serving children, families, adults, and older adults. Services include outpatient and residential treatment services.
In April 2016, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Federal Government approved the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) waiver for substance use disorder treatment services. In July 2017, Free at Last began providing services under the DMC-ODS waiver, which allowed Free at Last and other providers to bill for many more services than they were previously able to.
DISCUSSION:
Through the DMC-ODS waiver, Free at Last continues to provide SUD outpatient group and individual treatment to adult County residents. These services are focused on an individualized residential and outpatient treatment program that includes assessment, care coordination, family therapy, individual and group counseling, alcohol and drug testing, relapse prevention, recovery services, and SUD Crisis Intervention Services.
In December 2023, BHRS released a Request for Proposals for the provision of SUD outpatient treatment services. Free at Last responded and was recommended for their expertise in SUD outpatient group services and individual treatment.
Under this agreement, Free at Last will also provide expanded residenti...
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