Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. A-15945 with Ventana Faculty Medical Associates of Monterey County, Inc., to continue to serve as the County’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFEs) service provider, provide professional and call coverage services for the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), and provide SART Medical Director services, increasing funds by $1,053,060 for a new Agreement amount of $1,952,910 and extending the term for three (3) years for a total term from July 16, 2022, through June 30, 2028.
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 Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. A-15945 with Ventana Faculty Medical Associates of Monterey County, Inc., to continue to serve as the County’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFEs) service provider, provide professional and call coverage services for the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), and provide SART Medical Director services, increasing funds by $1,053,060 for a new Agreement amount of $1,952,910 and extending the term for three (3) years for a total term from July 16, 2022, through June 30, 2028.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator and trained Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs) respond collaboratively with Counselors, Law Enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office to reports of sexual assault and sexual abuse cases. The responsibilities of the Health Department’s SART Coordinator and SAFEs include conducting sexual assault forensic exams on survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse, as well as for suspect perpetrators of sexual crimes reported by law enforcement within the County of Monterey. Exams are conducted at Natividad Medical Center exclusively. A sexual assault forensic examination consists of a medical examination, evidence collection, and access to necessary medication in the aftermath of a sexual assault and sexual abuse.
The urgency and criticality of conducting sexual assault forensic examinations immediately following a sexual assault or sexual abuse report and providing this service locally is crucial to the reduction of trauma, providing support for survivors receiving this important medical care, and evidence collection for the prosecution of sexual violence.
Ventana Faculty Medical Associates of Monterey County, Inc., is a local contractor whose medical professionals are certified and licensed to provide sexual assault forensic examinations, including call coverage services for SART within Monterey County. They provide services on the Natividad Medical Center campus. Ventana Faculty Medical Associates has the expertise necessary to provide critical sexual assault services to survivors and maintain the integrity of each assessment, case, and evidence collection.
Ventana Faculty Medical Associates provides a SART Medical Director who manages and oversees the clinical practice of the adult and adolescent SAFEs. The SART Medical Director is responsible for reviewing policies and procedures, participating in chart audits, and advising the SART Coordinator and the SAFEs regarding the appropriate medical care of patients being seen for a sexual assault exam. In addition, the Medical Director is available for consult by the SART Coordinator and SAFEs on an ongoing basis as needed.
Approval of agreement will ensure the continuation of local, urgent, and critical sexual assault response in our community, with the supervision and oversight needed to continue to provide timely and effective medical care to survivors of sexual assault.
This work supports the following 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 two of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 2) Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population; and 3) Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Offices of the County Counsel and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This amendment for $1,053,060 for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, is funded 63% with local County monies and 37% fee revenue. There are sufficient appropriations in the Health Department’s (001-4000-8124-HEA003) FY 2025-26 Requested Budget.
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: Patricia Velarde, Management Analyst II, 796-1377
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Amendment No. 3
Amendment No. 2
Board Order to Amendment No. 2
Amendment. No. 1
Board Order to Amendment No. 1
Agreement
Board Order to Agreement