SUBJECT
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Approve the second amendment to the contract with Tri-County Human Services, Inc. (TCHS) to provide peer support services for the Helping HANDS program. (no fiscal impact)
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DESCRIPTION
The County implemented a program called Helping HANDS (Healthcare Access Navigation Delivery and Support), a Thomas McMicken Legacy Program, to assist newly released inmates from the Polk County Jail who have a substance use disorder and/or have a mental health diagnosis as they transition from jail into the community. In support of Helping HANDS, the County entered into a contract with TCHS for the provision of Recovery Peer support for an initial three-year period effective October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2022 for $220,434 annually.
The first amendment extended the contract to September 30, 2024. Beginning April 1, 2024, this second amendment will revise the scope of services, include additional performance objectives, adjust the fee schedule, and extend the term of the contract to September 30, 2027.
Currently, services are provided by four full-time Certified Recovery Peer Specialists (Peers). The second amendment will allow the services to be provided by a minimum of:
• 1 FTE Certified Recovery Peer Specialist to serve as a “team lead” with supervisory responsibilities; and,
• 3 FTE Recovery Peer Specialists (Peers) who are working towards certification.
Services Peers may provide include:
• Screening
• Service planning
• Referral
• Service coordination
• Consultation
• Continuing assessment and service plan reviews
• Recovery support services
• Crisis intervention
• Individual education
• Documentation of progress
Peers provide a critical service during an individual’s journey in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. They assist in a nonclinical capacity to support individuals and families recovering from substance use and mental health conditions. They provide linkage to and coordinate care among service providers, give life skills training, recovery planning, coaching, education on mental illness, substance use disorders, and other supports that facilitate increased recovery capital and wellness in addition to increased quality of life. Peers help those in recovery to regain skills to live, work and learn successfully in their community.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the second amendment to the contract with TCHS to provide peer support services for the Helping HANDS program.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available and budgeted in the Indigent Health Care Funds.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Joy Johnson, Administrator, Health and Human Services Division at 863-534-5204.