Title
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute funding of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Community Homeless Solutions, a California corporation, for assisting in meeting the direct costs of a Medical Respite Program for homeless persons in Monterey County, retroactive from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026, for a total MOU amount not to exceed $509,880.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute funding of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Community Homeless Solutions, a California corporation, for assisting in meeting the direct costs of a Medical Respite Program for homeless persons in Monterey County, retroactive from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026, for a total MOU amount not to exceed $509,880.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 2013, the hospitals of Monterey County convened and collaborated with the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California to search for a solution to meet the needs of the homeless population as they are discharged from hospital stays. All hospitals have struggled with increasing readmissions that require a solution that supports timely, post-acute safe discharges for these members of the county homeless population. Historically, there are a limited number of safe discharge options for homeless individuals and hospitals often rely on motels, board and care facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities (“SNFs”) or extended inpatient stays.
The respite facility is a collaboration among Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Natividad Medical Center, and Community Homeless Solutions and Natividad Medical Center has participated since April 19, 2016.
This request is retroactive to July 1, 2022, due to discussions with Homeless Solution about planning for accommodation to our homeless patients and negotiation of fees.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved this MOU as to form, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to payment provisions. The MOU has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Finance Committee and by its Board of Trustees on July 14, 2023.
FINANCING:
This action does not impact the General Fund contribution as the changes will be contained within the approved Natividad Medical Center’s Adopted FY23-24 budget, and future costs will be included in future budgets respectively.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement allows for the much-needed continued monetary support to ensure the Respite program is successful. The program provides primary and behavioral healthcare to the homeless and helps break the cycle of homelessness by working with the client to create connections to family and friends, and offers assistance with benefit enrollment, transitional or permanent housing, and job training.
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health and Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Karen Friedrich, Director of Revenue Recovery, 783-2556
Approved by: Charles R. Harris, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
Memorandum of Understanding for the Medical Respite Program
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board