200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
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Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5094
Fax: (714) 765-5164
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
DATE: JUNE 27, 2023
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH BE WELL OC FOR MOBILE MENTAL
HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 18
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, approve an Agreement with Be Well OC, in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000, for mobile mental health crisis response services for one year, and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement under its terms and conditions.
DISCUSSION:
At the October 5, 2021 Council meeting, the City Council approved an agreement with Mind OC to create a one-year pilot program establishing a mobile crisis response team specializing in helping individuals undergoing emergency, non-violent, mental health issues called HOPE Anaheim. On August 23, 2022, an amendment to the agreement was approved by the City Council to extend the pilot program by nine months to June 30, 2023 in order to expend all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
During the pilot program, Be Well OC (and entity of Mind OC) has worked with local hospitals, medical clinics, homeless service providers, and other community stakeholders to provide a mental health system of care, supported by the Mobile Be Well team (HOPE Anaheim). Since May 2022, HOPE Anaheim has made 2,667 contacts with people in need throughout the city. Case management is an integral component of HOPE Anaheim, ensuring successful outcomes and building trust with program participants. From May 2022 to May 2023, there have been 112 individuals that have been linked with case management with 393 outcomes provided to individuals; outcomes include services such as referrals to treatment, services, housing and more. HOPE Anaheim has spent nearly 2,000 hours working with individuals in the field while on calls. The early stages of HOPE Anaheim were designed to divert calls for service from the Anaheim Police Department (APD) Police to trained mental health professionals. As the program evolves, we are working collaboratively to improve the mental health system of care, as it applies to the residents of Anaheim, and to remove barriers to utilizing mental health professionals that may currently exist. The City and Be Well OC are continuing to refine Agreement with Be Well OC for Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Services June 27, 2023
the metrics and data to ensure successful outcomes are measured, such as linkage to hospitals, treatment, and housing.
Annually APD responds to over 5,500 calls for service related to mental health and substance abuse, occupying over 8,000 labor hours. While our officers are capable of navigating these interactions, the City recognizes opportunities to partner with mental health experts who are more specifically trained to navigate these unique service needs, and that a partnership may result in better outcomes for all.
Currently, HOPE Anaheim operates on a 12-hour schedule, Monday through Sunday, 9am to 9pm. Staff proposes continuing a 12-hour model and will continue to assess the program and its need to scale up to a 14- or 16-hour model. The budgeted amount will allow for the program to scale up appropriately with enough flexibility to be able to operate additional hours, should the need arise. The amount billed to the City for the services will reflect the hours operated. Additionally, the not to exceed amount of $1.3 million allows for flexibility to expand hours in concert with other service providers in Anaheim to maximize the system of care.
Throughout the pilot period, the City and Be Well OC collaboratively made improvements to the program towards diverting mental health calls and providing an effective system of care. Modifications have been made to HOPE Anaheim’s deliverables and enhancements have been identified to complement the program. Be Well OC has also been recognized by a local philanthropic organization that has committed to donate $3 million over a two-year period in addition to the City’s commitment to expand HOPE Anaheim’s services. The donation will fund the identified enhancements.
Collaborative discissions between city staff and Be Well OC to find the best way to program the donation have resulted in the identification of several enhancements to HOPE Anaheim. Enhancements to HOPE Anaheim will assist with the purchase of an additional van, the hiring of additional personnel, and will broaden the program’s grasp by targeting funds for outreach to schools and faith-based organizations. The donation is anticipated to also assist with other city efforts to combat homelessness and drug addiction, such as allowing for the flexibility to transport participants in the City’s Anaheim Collaborative Court- Evaluating Strategies & Solutions (ACCESS) program from court to treatment facilities. The enhancements to the program are being funded exclusively by the philanthropic donation and staff is working to ensure a meaningful expansion with program deliverables and measurables. Staff will continue to work with Be Well OC to implement the enhancements over the coming months.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in the Housing and Community Development’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget. Funding for subsequent years will be subject to Council’s approval of budget appropriations.
Agreement with Be Well OC for Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Services June 27, 2023
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by,
Jim Vanderpool Grace Stepter
City Manager Housing & Community Development Director
Attachments:
1. Agreement
2. Original Agreement with First Amendment