Subject:
Title
Second Amendment to the contract with Suncoast Center, Inc. for the Behavioral Health High Utilizer Pilot Program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Second Amendment to the contract with Suncoast Center, Inc. (Suncoast) for the Behavioral Health High Utilizer Pilot Program (Program).
Contract No. 156-0045-P(JA) in the amount of $650,862.00 for a term of twelve (12) months through May 8, 2019.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
2.3 Provide comprehensive services to connect our veterans and dependents to the benefits they have earned
2.4 Support programs that seek to prevent and remedy the causes of homelessness and move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent housing
Summary:
The Second Amendment exercises the second and final term extension of twelve (12) months for the Program. In addition, services have been modified or supplemented based upon the results of the first two (2) plan years; modified services are provided within the financial obligation of the original award. The vendor’s services have been satisfactory; therefore it is recommended the second and final term extension be exercised.
The goal of the Program is to better serve individuals with serious behavioral health disorders who are identified as “high utilizers.” The Program seeks to greatly reduce the costly cycle of recidivism in jails, hospitals and public Baker Act facilities while identifying critical system gaps to improve future service delivery.
Background/Explanation:
The Program was initially approved by the Board of County Commissioners on May 10, 2016. The Administrator approved the first term extension of twelve months on May 2, 2017.
The target population for the Program was a pre-identified subset of thirty-three (33) individuals who were the most chronic users of the identified systems in 2014 with an estimated costs for these individuals exceeded $2.4 million.
Suncoast has successfully coordinated the pilot model for the first two years in cooperation with other community provider agencies. Services include counseling, ongoing engagement, trauma informed care, supportive housing, detox/substance abuse treatment, and a range of additional services designed to aid in stabilization. Partners meet on a regular basis to discuss system coordination and needs surrounding the Program.
Indications show a reduction in deeper end crisis care and jail involvement. Preliminary outcomes demonstrate a reduction of 52% in jail costs (approximately $118,000), a 47% reduction in jail bed days (848 days), and 33% of clients have not had a Baker Act since program inception. The University of South Florida, who is a partner in the Program is expected to report on the baseline information for the pilot by the end of April.
Phase 3 is intended to build on the success of the Program to continue to address the stabilization needs of the top thirty three (33) and assist those ready to transition and step down from the pilot as to not interrupt the significant process they have made. The transitioning will be done concurrently while leveraging the lessons learned to take on system issues, encourage cost savings with external supportive services, and apply lessons learned.
Fiscal Impact:
Estimated 12-month total costs $650,862.00
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this Second Amendment is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(2).
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Interim Director, Human Services Department
Joe Lauro, Director, Purchasing Department
Partners:
Suncoast Center, Inc.
Boley Centers
Directions for Living
Sixth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Central Florida Behavioral Health
Westcare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc.
Operation PAR
Baycare Health Systems
Personal Enrichment Mental Health Services
Vincent House
University of South Florida
Municipal Law Enforcement
Various Community Partners
Attachments:
Second Amendment