Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Non-Standard Professional Services Agreement with Syracuse University, on behalf of its Burton Blatt Institute, for the provision of program management and consultation services to fulfill the approved “Multi-County Collaborative Psychiatric Advance Directives - Phase II” Mental Health Services Act Innovation Plan for a total Agreement not to exceed $1,000,000 for the term retroactively beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029. Due to late and ongoing contract negotiations, with direction for an effective date of July 1, 2025, the agreement took additional time to review and agendize, which by necessity makes the agreement retroactive when presented to the Board.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Non-Standard Professional Services Agreement with Syracuse University, on behalf of its Burton Blatt Institute, for the provision of program management and consultation services to fulfill the approved “Multi-County Collaborative Psychiatric Advance Directives - Phase II” Mental Health Services Act Innovation Plan for a total Agreement not to exceed $1,000,000 for the term retroactively beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029. Due to late and ongoing contract negotiations, with direction for an effective date of July 1, 2025, the agreement took additional time to review and agendize, which by necessity makes the agreement retroactive when presented to the Board.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Innovation component of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) provides a dedicated funding source to counties to try out new and creative mental health practices or approaches that are developed within communities that are inclusive and representative of unserved and underserved populations. On April 24, 2025, Monterey County Behavioral Health was approved by the State to participate in the Psychiatric Advance Directive Multi-County Collaborative Phase II Innovation Plan, and consequently awarded a funding amount of up to $3,000,000 to support local implementation across a four (4) year term. On June 24, 2025, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors certified the approval of this MHSA Innovation funding award.
The proposed Non-Standard Professional Services Agreement with Syracuse University is a function of participating in the Multi-County Collaborative Innovation Plan. The terms of this agreement were negotiated and are to be shared between all participating counties and Syracuse University, resulting in its categorization as a Non-Standard agreement. This Agreement will allow for continued system improvement initiatives, leveraging of multi-county program funding, and MHSA program implementation support in Monterey County through June 30, 2029. The Contractor’s scope of work includes the administration of contracts and the processing of payments to subcontractors selected to implement services for the Multi-County Collaborative, and also to provide consultation services related to disability rights policy advocacy, evaluation, and program design.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal(s): 2. Provide Exceptional Person-Centered Care through Accessible, Community-Focused Health Services. It also supports one of the ten essential public health services, specifically 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel-Risk Management and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is funded by Mental Health Services Act funds. The funds for FY 2025-26 ($252,749) have been included in the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Bureau (HEA012, Unit 8410) FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. The estimated additional funds for this Agreement for FY 2026-27 ($249,910), FY 2027-28 ($248,077), FY 2028-29 ($249,264) will be included in their respective Health Department Behavioral Health (HEA012, Unit 8410) Fiscal Year Requested Budgets.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☒ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses, and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Wesley Schweikhard, Management Analyst II, 755-4856
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement