SUBJECT
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Approve the contract with Polk Vision, Inc. (Polk Vision) to lead a public awareness campaign and organize and manage a Behavioral Health Summit. (Total amount not to exceed $178,530.)
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DESCRIPTION
In 2023, the County contracted with Polk Vision as a partner in the Polk County Behavioral Health Improvement Project. The project utilized core strategies that focus on current and future behavioral health needs with the ultimate goal to improve the quality of life of Polk County residents.
Lack of awareness and lack of education about behavioral health symptoms, prevention, and available resources foster low levels of accessing behavioral health care by those who need it. Additionally, stigma can make people more likely to hide symptoms or illness, keep them from seeking health care immediately, and prevent individuals from adopting healthy behaviors.
Polk Vision offers a framework for achieving sustained improvement. As the leading collective impact organization serving the entire Polk County community, Polk Vision provides central coordination to align the work of volunteers through partnerships of public, private and civic organizations working collectively to make the shared vision of improved community wellbeing for Polk County a reality. The Polk Vision Behavioral Health alignment team works to improve the quality of life through the use of accessible, high-quality, comprehensive, prevention-based community health services designed to promote total well-being. The team has developed a strategic, tactical plan for improved community health and wellness.
As a continued partnership with Community Health Care’s strategic initiatives, Polk Vision will lead a public awareness campaign, “When You Know” to reduce the stigma of and raise awareness of mental health issues. As part of the campaign, Polk Vision will organize and manage a 3rd annual Behavioral Health Summit in May of 2026 (National Mental Health Month) and continue utilizing social media platforms, email blasts, paid ads, and paid billboard advertising.
The agreement will be effective October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the contract with Polk Vision, Inc. to lead a public awareness campaign and organize and manage a Behavioral Health Summit.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Polk County Florida Opioid Trust Funds.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Holly Vida, Behavioral Health Program Manager, Health and Human Services Division at 863-519-1005
Joy Johnson, Administrator, Health and Human Services Division at 863-534-5204