Approve second amendment with CommuniCare Health Centers, Inc. to add funding in the amount of $69,359.50, for a new contract maximum of $179,943.50, for the period of August 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022; and to add two option years; and to update and clarify language in the agreement, for the provision of Medication Assisted Treatment Peer Navigator services. (No general fund impact) (Larsen)

Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), received funding from Health Management Associates under the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grant (“STR Opioid Grant”) for the STR Opioid Grant for the Medication Assisted Treatment Expansion Project 2.0 (“STR Opioid Grant MAT Expansion Project”).  The main focus of the STR Opioid Grant MAT Expansion Project is to expand the availability of MAT treatment for in-custody clients that are in need of referrals, counseling, education tools, and discharge planning. It is crucial that individuals receive education regarding proper medication, assistance while in-custody, and linkage to behavioral health treatment when discharged.
 
The County allocated $45,121.00 of the grant funds received to CommuniCare Health Centers (CCHC) for the period of August 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 to fund a 1.0 FTE MAT Peer Navigator position (“Peer Navigator”). The Peer Navigator shall have personal experience and identify as a mental health services consumer or the family member of a mental health services consumer or have previous involvement in substance use and/or involvement in the criminal justice system.  The Peer Navigator will collaborate with the CCHC MAT and Transitions of Care Team to receive referrals and provide coordination via referrals from WellPath (or the current contracted behavioral health service and physical health care providers for Yolo county inmates) and other staff to provide assistance in successfully navigating clients leaving incarceration to ongoing substance use treatment, prioritizing individuals who need ongoing MAT treatment as part of their exit plan. Among other tasks, the Peer Navigator will use their personal and professional life experience to provide peer support/case management to MAT clients and assist them with navigating physical heath, behavioral health, and social service systems to obtain the services that are necessary for stability and wellness.
 
The County allocated $31,150.00 of the grant funds received to WellPath for the period of August 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 to support and expand MAT services provided by WellPath as the current contracted behavioral health service and physical health care providers for Yolo County inmates in the County jail to individuals in need.  This will allow for all patients to be screened during their routine 7-day Health Appraisal. All appropriate patients will be referred to the MAT Coordinator for additional follow up and assessment for OUD/SUD. WellPath will also provide education and appropriate counseling services to patients in the facility regarding MAT treatment including motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), etc.) MAT eligible patients.
 
Approval of this Amendment will allow CommuniCare to employ a Clinician to collaborate with the MAT and Transitions of Care Team to receive referrals and provide coordination via referrals from WellPath and other staff to provide assistance in successfully navigating clients leaving incarceration to ongoing substance abuse treatment.
 
Performance measures are being revised and are attached hereto as Att. B. Performance Measures.

County Counsel has approved as to form.

This agreement was sought through a Sole Source and approved by the Procurement Manager