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 (“CHS”), a California corporation, for assisting in meeting the direct costs of a Medical Respite Program (“MRP”) for homeless persons in Monterey County, retroactive to July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, for a total MOU amount not to exceed $115,000.
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 (“CHS”), a California corporation, for assisting in meeting the direct costs of a Medical Respite Program (“MRP”) for homeless persons in Monterey County, retroactive to July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, for a total MOU amount not to exceed $115,000.
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.
On April 19, 2016, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution authorizing Natividad Medical Center to contribute to the development of a Respite Program for the homeless via a funding agreement with an initial contribution of $105,000. 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.
On October 10, 2017, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution authorizing
Natividad Medical Center to contribute to the development of a Respite Program for the homeless via funding agreement with an additional contribution of $93,500. In July 2019, the Board of Supervisors approved an additional three years ending June 30, 2021 and adding $300,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $498,500.
Earlier this year, the Healthcare Foundation of Northern and Central California requested that Natividad, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula work directly with the Community Homeless Solutions to replace the agreement/amendments that expired June 30, 2021. This request for an agreement with CHS for $115,000 for fiscal year 21-22 will continue this critical service to the homeless population. Continued availability of the medical respite program will enable hospitals to continue to implement discharge plans for clinically appropriate homeless patients that better manage hospital utilization. Homeless patients who receive post discharge care at the respite experience reduced re-hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
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 October 8, 2021
FINANCING:
This action does not impact the General Fund contribution as the changes will be contained within the approved Natividad Medical Center’s Adopted FY21-22 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: Daniel Leon, Chief Financial Officer, 783-2561
Approved by: Charles R. Harris, Interim Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
Memorandum of Understanding for the Medical Respite Program
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board