DATE: March 24, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Dawan Utecht, Director, Department of Behavioral Health
SUBJECT: Amendment I to Master Agreement 15-193 for the Provision of Horticultural Therapeutic Community Centers.
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Amendment I to Master Agreement 15-193 for the provision of Horticultural Therapeutic Community Centers, extending the term by 12 months from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, and increasing the maximum compensation by $325,000 to a total of $1,950,000.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will extend the term of the current agreement for an additional twelve months to conduct an overall program evaluation to ensure the current program design is meeting Department vision and goals moving forward with no increase to Net County Cost. The current agreement is within its final year with a June 30, 2020 expiration date.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. Should your Board not approve the recommended action, The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) will not be able to properly conduct an overall program evaluation to ensure the current program design is meeting department vision and goals moving forward.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The increase to the maximum compensation amount ($325,000) will be fully funded with Mental Health Services Act funds (Prevention and Early Intervention). Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are available in the Department’s Org 5630 FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget and will be included in the FY 2020-21 Recommended Budget.
DISCUSSION:
On May 19, 2015 your Board approved Master Agreement No. 15-193 for the provision of Horticultural Therapeutic Community Centers (HTCC).
HTCC’s are platforms for peer support, mental health outreach, engagement and delivery on matters that relate to mental well-being and mental health services, and to deliver universal mental health PEI activities in traditionally and culturally relevant environments to un-served and underserved suburban and rural communities. In addition to a horticultural therapeutic garden, each site includes a covered shelter for informal gatherings and sharing of mental health related information, as well as a site liaison, coordinator and/or project director to facilitate the collaboration of universal PEI services and activities between community providers, community leaders and HTCC participants. Each site practices water conservation methods of farming, including drip lines and water tolerant plants.
Contract monitoring is provided by a DBH Staff Analyst and Fiscal Analyst utilizing performance measures and other monthly reports to determine ongoing program success and sustainability. Performance objectives to be measured include, but may not be limited to:
• decreased suicide ideation;
• increased well-being and hopefulness;
• increased access to care and knowledge of care options;
• increased skills in problem-solving;
• increased social supports; and,
• reduced isolation.
The program targets un-served and underserved communities including Hmong/Southeast Asian, Russian/Slavic, Hispanic, African American, African refugees, individuals who are homeless, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Military Veterans, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) community. Other target communities will be served as new providers and/or sites are considered and approved for inclusion under this proposed Master Agreement, funds permitting.
Approval of the recommended action will allow for an extension period of program services for twelve months beyond the existing expiration date of June 30, 2020. Fresno County DBH will utilize this time to conduct an overall program evaluation to ensure the current program design is meeting department vision and goals moving forward. The information gathered from this evaluation will be implemented in the subsequent RFP as necessary.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
The Behavioral Health Board was informed of the recommended Amendment at its January 15, 2020 Board Meeting.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #33, May 19, 2015
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Amendment I to Agt. No. 15-193
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald W. Alexander, Jr.