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Approve a contract with Archway Recovery Services for a total contract amount of $975,570 to expand and enhance substance use disorder treatment and recovery services for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999; and Approve a $975,570 Appropriation Transfer Request to increase appropriations and recognize unanticipated Behavioral Health Bridge Housing grant funds (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a contract with Archway Recovery Services for a total contract amount of $975,570 to expand and enhance substance use disorder treatment and recovery services for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999; and approve a $975,570 Appropriation Transfer Request to increase appropriations and recognize unanticipated Behavioral Health Bridge Housing grant funds (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY:
The recommended contract approval will aid Archway Recovery Services in expanding and enhancing substance use treatment capacity by leasing a facility, formerly called Parkrose Garden. The program will accommodate up to 50 participants at any point in time and is licensed and credentialed under Drug Medi-Cal. The program will serve individuals with co-occurring specialty mental health disorders and substance use disorders thereby addressing a critical need within the community.
Solano County Behavioral Health received funding from the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Round 1 (BHBH-R1) grant issued by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which is aimed at operating bridge housing settings to address the immediate housing needs of people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions, including serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD).
On June 23, 2023, Solano County Health and Social Services (H&SS) was awarded a BHBH-R1 award amount of $8,352,207 to be expended across four years, through June 30, 2027. This award was accepted by the Board on December 5, 2023. Of this amount, Solano County H&SS, Behavioral Health Division, is recommending utilizing $975,570 to contract with Archway Recovery Services to lease the facility for the expansion of substance use disorder residential treatment.
Additionally, Archway Recovery Services will re-purpose two of their smaller, existing residential substance use treatment programs into recovery homes to further support the continuum of care for individuals in recovery.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The contract will be funded with $975,570 in BHBH-R1 grant funding. A $975,570 Appropriation Transfer Request is needed to increase appropriations and recognize BHBH-R1 grant revenue to fund the contract in the FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no additional impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
The BHBH-R1 grant, issued by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), is aimed at operating bridge housing settings to address the immediate housing needs of people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions, including serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD). The grant, established by AB 179 (Ting, Chapter 249, Statutes of 2022), provides funding through June 30, 2027, and is designed to enable counties to meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the California Interagency Council on Homelessness’ Action Plan for Preventing and Ending Homelessness in California. The BHBH program builds on the California Health and Human Services’ Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities and State mandated changes to the behavioral health system intended to align with the implementation of the California Interagency Council on Homelessness’ Action Plan for Preventing and Ending Homelessness in California.
Solano County Behavioral Health received a total of $8,352,207 in BHBH-R1 funding. From this amount, $1,399,750 was allocated to support the first four years of salary for two positions, which include a H&SS Planning Analyst, to support the division's growing need for housing and homeless service data analytics, and a dedicated Mental Health Clinician for psychiatric street medicine services. Additionally, $5,584,598 was awarded to Abode Services through FY2025/26 to deliver a comprehensive continuum of supportive housing and homeless services.
Higher rates of substance use disorder, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions, are the norm in the Behavioral Health Division’s programs rather than the exception and there is a lack of sufficient resources to support substance use reduction. Many individuals require specialized residential substance use treatment, sober living environments, and supportive services to maintain stability in the community.
Under the contract, Archway Recovery Services will re-purpose two of their existing smaller residential substance use treatment programs to use as recovery homes to further support the continuum of care for individuals in recovery. These recovery homes will serve as transitional housing for individuals stepping down from residential treatment, hospitals, jails, or homelessness, providing them with a stable environment to practice recovery skills, secure employment, and save for permanent housing. The County recognizes the significant need for recovery home placements to support the substance use disorder population and Archway Recovery Services will ensure priority access to these two recovery homes, which will collectively offer a capacity of at least 22 beds. This strategic expansion will significantly bolster the County’s capacity to support individuals on their path to recovery and stable living.
By expanding access to residential treatment and recovery housing, the County will be better equipped to address the complex needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders, ultimately reducing homelessness, hospitalizations, and incarcerations related to substance use disorder and mental health issues. The increased availability of treatment and transitional housing will improve overall community health and safety, promote long-term recovery, and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions. This initiative is a critical step in the County’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive, integrated care for some of our most vulnerable residents.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the Archway Recovery Services contract. This is not recommended as this contract assists in increasing the number of available residential and recovery beds in Solano County used specifically for those people with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health conditions who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION