Subject:
Title
Grant application with U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, for Assisted Outpatient Treatment Services for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant application with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for Assisted Outpatient Treatment for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Approval for submission of the grant application allows the County to enhance its mental health services for individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) who have been court-ordered to treatment. The County’s goals are to 1) reduce Baker Act re-admission rates among this population; 2) reduce interactions with law enforcement due to non-compliance with court orders, 3) improve integration with primary medical care and preventive health services; and 4) integrate key community programs including the jail diversion program with the courts, Public Defender’s office, public receiving facilities and treatment providers.
The County anticipates serving 100 clients/year or 400 over the lifetime of the grant if awarded.
Background/Explanation:
The County is seeking to increase capacity of services and evidence based mental health services to approximately 100 adult individuals who have a SMI and have been court-ordered to receive treatment services. Serious mental illness includes those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, delusional disorder, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Individuals with SMI have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which negatively affect their quality of life and life expectancy. In addition, the symptoms associated with SMI often impair therapeutic compliance and self-care, resulting in higher rates of morbidity and mortality.
The County will partner with the County’s designated public receiving facility, Personal Enrichment for Mental Health Services (PEMHS), a behavioral health treatment provider Directions for Living, the Public Defender’s office, and the Florida Department of Health for coordinated referral, treatment and supportive services. By assisting clients’ with discharge planning following assessment and evaluation the program will provide a stable foundation to receive treatment for the client’s mental health disorders. If awarded, these individuals will receive coordinated behavioral health services in a timely manner, reduce their chance for readmission or arrest, and benefit from a full array of services to ensure successful treatment outcomes.
Fiscal Impact:
The federal request for funding is anticipated to be approximately $975,000 per year for up to four years. No County match is required.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this grant application is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(4).
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Personal Enrichment for Mental Health Services (PEMHS)
Directions for Living
Pinellas County Public Defender’s Office
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
University of South Florida, Florida Mental Health Institute
Attachments:
Grant Application Package
Project Abstract