Title
COVID-19 Behavioral Health Support Services Agreement (Ordinance S-48438)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with Mercy Care to provide outreach, behavioral health, substance abuse, physical health and transportation services for uninsured and underinsured residents in the City of Phoenix. The contract total will not exceed $9 million. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item for the full term of the contract, including extensions. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding is available through the City's allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act received from the federal government and is under the City's Homelessness and Mental Health Program category.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix Human Services Department has been tasked with addressing challenges facing City of Phoenix residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mercy Care will provide outreach, behavioral and physical health screenings, evaluations, counseling, therapy, medication, case management, and transportation to services for residents throughout the city. Mercy Care will also enroll eligible residents in Medicaid/Medicare. Because stable housing is a critical component of recovery for individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders, additional support services under this program will include eviction prevention, short-term rental assistance and transitional housing.
Mercy Care is the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) in Maricopa County. As the RBHA, Mercy Care is responsible for overseeing the Maricopa County public behavioral health crisis system and implementation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration block grants. In addition, through multiple other State Medicaid contracts and a Medicare contract beyond their RBHA contract, Mercy Care provides physical and behavioral health services for a range of populations. As part of providing Maricopa County crisis system oversight, Mercy Care works closely with first responders including Phoenix Fire and Police departments as well as the City’s Human Services Department.
Contract Term
The term of this contract will begin on or about April 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, with one option to extend through Dec. 31, 2024, based on continuous need and available funding, which may be exercised by the City Manager or designee.
Financial Impact
The total value of this contract shall not exceed $9 million. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding will be provided through the City's allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.