COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

October 29, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 18, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Margaret Taylor, Director of Health Services

Gale Bataille, Director of Mental Health Services

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Peninsula Network of Mental Health Clients

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an agreement with Peninsula Network of Mental Health Clients

Background

The Peninsula Network of Mental Health Clients (PNMHC) is the only client-run, mental health self-help provider in San Mateo County. They have a track record of successfully staffing and managing peer support programs for adult mentally ill consumers. San Mateo County Mental Health Services has contracted with PNMHC for 11 years to provide socialization services, advocacy and peer support. These services offer low cost recovery oriented peer operated alternatives for mental health clients who otherwise may not be able to or choose not to participate in community activity programs on their own.

Discussion

The services provided by PNMHC include operating two drop-in centers, known as Network North and Miller Center Central, as well as providing activities at their program office in San Mateo, for seriously mentally ill clients of San Mateo County. These drop-in centers offer a variety of consumer-led groups including social and independent living skills training in a safe and supportive environment. PNMHC also provides evening programs including "movie nights" and social activities. PNMHC plans to expand services this year to include additional services that focus on recovery. These expanded services will include support groups to address co-occurring substance abuse and psychiatric disabilities and expanded training in the development of personal recovery and crisis management plans.

Consumer operated self-help/peer support services such as those provided by PNMHC have been identified in the recently issued President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health Report as critical components of effective community mental health systems. These services are essential to supporting consumers in effective recovery and community reintegration and are a low cost means of providing support for mentally ill adults in a time when traditional service capacity is shrinking due to the budget crisis.

Performance Measures

2002-03 Actuals

2003-04 Objectives

Increase unduplicated attendance in programs by 33%.

150

200

Offer at least two (2) new skills groups and/or educational sessions at each center.

4

6

Consistent with contract approval level limitations in County Administrative Memorandum B-1, the Director of Health Services will be authorized to execute amendments and modifications to this agreement, not to exceed $25,000 in aggregate.

Vision Alignment

This contract with Peninsula Network of Mental Health Clients keeps the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 8: Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at risk youth, and others-achieve a better quality of life. The contract contributes to this commitment and goal by providing work experience and safe socialization opportunities for the vulnerable mentally ill population.

Fiscal Impact

The term of this agreement is effective from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. The agreement has been reviewed and approved by Risk Management and County Counsel.

The contract maximum amount is $199,832. Funds are included in the approved Mental Health Services' approved budget for FY 2003-04. The SAMHSA Block Grant will cover $28,013. Sales tax provided through realignment will cover the remaining $171,819 of the cost. There is no net County cost.