TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents, and any amendments, with the County of Los Angeles for an operational agreement to provide mental health services for older adults at the Long Beach Senior Center. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) estimate that approximately 70 percent of the senior clients they serve have mental health issues that would benefit by professional mental health services. The majority of the cases involve clients who suffer from depression, often related to grief or loss, but there are also cases with more serious disorders. Often, clients do not have an insurance plan that offers adequate, comprehensive geriatric-focused mental health services. Additionally, many older adults are unable to access mental health services due to physical disability, frailty, or stigma associated with seeking services in a traditional mental health clinical setting.
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), adopted by the California electorate in 2004, provided the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Services (DMHS) with new dedicated funding for innovative programs designed to expand available services and improve access to needed services not previously available. The DMHS is using MHSA funding to implement Field Capable Clinical Services for Older Adults (FCCS). FCCS staff provides specialty mental health services to seniors, ages sixty and older, in preferred settings, such as their residences, senior centers, or primary care provider sites.
The Health Department, Senior Links case management program has been working with the DMHS since 1999 to provide senior-specific mental health services in Long Beach. The DMHS is now proposing to collaborate with the Health Department and the Senior Center to provide improved access to needed mental health services using the FCCS model, at the Senior Health Clinic located in the Senior Center at 1150 E. 4th Street.
The Health Department's co-location of FCCS with Senior Links at the Senior Center will improve access for seniors and enhance collaboration and the coordination of services between the agencies. DMHS staff will receive referrals from Senior Links staff and Senior Center staff for seniors who meet FCCS eligibility criteria.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Lori A. Conway on December 20, 2007 and by Victoria Bell, Budget Management Officer on December 20, 2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Timing on this matter is not critical, but council action is requested on January 8th in order to allow FCCS access to the site location in order to commence services.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this agreement. The space at the Senior Center is already dedicated to the Health Department's Senior Links Program and there is sufficient space to accommodate this activity in this location.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |