Title
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Access Support Network for the provision of medical care and education services by Natividad physicians at Access Support Network Syringe Exchange Program for the period June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. There is no cost for this Agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Access Support Network for the provision of medical care and education services by Natividad physicians at Access Support Network Syringe Exchange Program for the period June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. There is no cost for this Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Natividad Family Medicine Residency Program is partnering with Access Support Network to provide low barrier access to medication for opioid use disorder. This weekly clinic will take place at the Syringe Exchange Program in the encampment area of Salinas Chinatown, bringing much needed access to addiction treatment for people who are vulnerable and marginalized. Syringe Exchange currently serves over 400 unique individuals with supplies and information to reduce the incidence of overdose and other harms caused by drug use. Many of these participants have expressed an interest in recovery from drug addiction, but encounter many barriers to accessing care in traditional settings.
Access Support Network desires assistance in physician services to provide medical direction and coordination of care to patients the Syringe Exchange Program. Natividad will make available a sufficient number qualified physicians to provide this service. By bringing treatment access to where people are, the Low Barrier Access Project will serve hard-to-reach populations that have been historically underserved by the healthcare system. Through a combination of outreach, education, case management, and clinical care, interested patients will be assessed, stabilized, and supported through their recovery journey. This innovative project represents an opportunity to build relationships with our county’s most vulnerable residents, learn about their needs and challenges, and link them to needed services such as long-term drug recovery, primary care, health insurance coverage, shelter and housing. The project will also provide a learning opportunity for resident physicians training in family medicine, building local capacity to address complex health and social problems such as addiction and homelessness.
There is no cost to this Agreement. Access Support Network will reimburse Natividad the cost of each employee rendering services,
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to fiscal provisions. The Agreement has also been reviewed and approved by Natividad Medical Center’s Finance Committee and Board of Trustees on May 14, 2021.
FINANCING:
There is no cost for this Agreement. There is no impact to the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Partnering with Access Support Network increases access to treatment in populations of Monterey County that have been historically underserved by the healthcare system.
__ Economic Development
Administration
X Health and Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Jeanne-Ann Balza, Director of Physician Services, 783.2506
Approved by: Gary Gray D.O., Chief Executive Officer, 783.2553
Attachments:
Agreement
Attachments on file at the Clerk of the Board