SUBJECT
Title
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES - RATIFY ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO SIGN A LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO THE DONOR’S ESTATE (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
County of San Diego (County) Administrative Code Article III, Section 66 Acceptance of Gifts and Board of Supervisors Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, provides a process for accepting gifts by the administrative heads of each department in the County, subject to approval by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. In September 2023, the County Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services (BHS) received a donation in the amount of $275,253.31 from the Fredrick J. West Estate.
Today’s action requests the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to ratify the acceptance of a one-time $275,253.31 donation from the Fredrick J. West Estate to support the ongoing advancement of the behavioral health continuum of care and the regional distribution of critical services by supporting one-time behavioral health costs.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. In accordance with the County of San Diego Administrative Code Article III, Section 66 Acceptance of Gifts and Board of Supervisors Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, ratify the acceptance of a one-time donation from the Fredrick J. West Estate in the amount of $275,253.31 to support the ongoing advancement of the behavioral health continuum of care and the regional distribution of critical services by supporting one-time behavioral health costs.
2. Authorize the Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the County of San Diego to the Fredrick J. West Estate.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The acceptance of the donation from the Fredrick J. West Estate serves to enhance Behavioral Health Services’ mission to advance equitable access to quality behavioral health programs to ensure all San Diego County residents can stay connected, stable, and healthy. The funding will support the ongoing advancement of the behavioral health continuum of care and the regional distribution of critical services, by supporting one-time behavioral health costs to reduce behavioral health inequities among the region and advance care for vulnerable populations.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
This item supports the County of San Diego Sustainability Goal #2 to provide just and equitable access to County services, and Sustainability Goal #4, to protect health and well-being. The County will accomplish these goals by applying the Fredrick J. West Estate donation toward existing one-time costs within Behavioral Health Services. This may include costs within crisis services and preventative care services within hard to reach communities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are not included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operational Plan for the Health and Human Services Agency. Today’s request to ratify the acceptance of a donation from the Fredrick J. West Estate, will result in unanticipated revenue in the amount of $275,253.31. These funds will be applied toward one-time costs within behavioral health services. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
On April 4, 2024, the Behavioral Health Advisory Board approved this Board Letter on consent.
BACKGROUND
The County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services (BHS) provides a comprehensive array of mental health and substance use services to people of all ages. These services are delivered through County-operated programs, as well as contracts with community service providers. Those served include vulnerable populations, including individuals who are experiencing homelessness, individuals with justice involvement, and children and youth with complex behavioral health conditions.
In September 2023, BHS received a donation in the amount of $275,253.31 from the Fredrick J. West Estate in gratitude for caring for Mr. West’s son for over 40 years indicating the funds may be used in any way needed. If approved, the funds will be applied toward one-time costs within behavioral health services which may include crisis services and preventative care services within hard-to-reach communities. This will advance the County vision of transforming behavioral health care from a model driven by crises, to one driven by chronic or continuous care and prevention. This transformation will be accomplished through the regional distribution and coordination of resources to keep people connected, stable, and healthy.
Today’s action requests the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to ratify the acceptance of a $275,253.31 one-time donation from the Fredrick J. West Estate to support the ongoing advancement of the behavioral health continuum of care and the regional distribution of critical services by supporting one-time behavioral health costs.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed actions support the County of San Diego’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan initiatives of Equity (Health) and Community (Quality of Life) as well as the regional Live Well San Diego vision of healthy, safe, and thriving communities. This is accomplished by caring for people with mental health and substance use conditions through a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services administered through accessible behavioral health programs.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Aghassi
Interim Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - Letter of Appreciation to the Fredrick J. West Estate