Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with Awender Chiropractic Health Services, Inc., increasing the contract amount by $718,240 for a revised contract amount not to exceed $916,240 to provide on-site licensed chiropractors for health services to patients, effective upon execution by both parties through April 30, 2026; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments in total do not exceed 10% of the original contract amount ($19,800) and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with Awender Chiropractic Health Services, Inc., increasing the contract amount by $718,240 for a revised contract amount not to exceed $916,240 to provide on-site licensed chiropractors for health services to patients, effective upon execution by both parties through April 30, 2026; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments in total do not exceed 10% of the original contract amount ($19,800) and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department Clinic Services Bureau (Clinic Services) operates twelve community clinic sites designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which provide preventive, primary, and specialty medical care services.
Awender Chiropractic Health Services, Inc. provides chiropractic care with a focus on serving low-income, uninsured, and underserved Californians, offering a drug-free approach to health and wellness for individuals who might otherwise have limited or no access to such care.
Clinic Services entered into a Standard Agreement with Awender Chiropractic Health Services, Inc. to deliver on-site chiropractic care through licensed practitioners, for a term of April 15, 2024, to April 30, 2026, with a contract amount not to exceed $198,000. In 2024, based on patient interest, Clinic Services launched a pilot program offering chiropractic services, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, at the Seaside Family Health Center. The pilot was successful, well received by patients, and clearly demonstrated community need.
Approval of Amendment No. 1 will support the continuation and expansion of these services. This amendment retains the current provider in the Monterey Peninsula and adds a second chiropractor to support services at a clinic site in Salinas, helping further meet the growing demand for accessible, non-pharmaceutical care options.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025 - 2028 Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Provide Exceptional Person-Centered Care through Accessible, Community-Focused Health Services. It also supports 1 of the 10 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 County Counsel has approved this Amendment No. 1 as to form. The Auditor-Controller and Contracts/Purchasing have reviewed and concur with the recommendation.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact to the General Fund resulting from approval of this Amendment No. 1. There are sufficient appropriations in the Health Department’s FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget (001-4000-HEA007). This Amendment No. 1 is funded by revenues generated from Medi-Cal and Medicare reimbursements.
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: Yazmin Ochoa-Flores, Management Analyst II, 796-1329
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Amendment No. 1
Exhibit A
Agreement