RFP #MHARC-282 - Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) Prevention and Early Intervention Ethnically and Culturally Specific Community Mental Health Promotion Program...

PURPOSE The County of Riverside Purchasing Department on behalf of Riverside University Health System–Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH) is seeking proposals from private non-profit and for-profit community organizations, faith based organizations, and culturally based organizations, interested in contracting with RUHS-BH to provide Prevention and Early Intervention services as outlined in this RFP. The proposed services must be designed to serve the targeted areas and populations identified herein. BACKGROUND Vision and Philosophy The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) was approved by California voters to provide a 1% tax on personal income over $1 million in order to expand and transform the county mental health service system. It became effective January 01, 2005. This funding allows the County of Riverside the opportunity to provide services in the areas of Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI). Per the MHSA, a comprehensive community planning process was completed that utilized the

expertise of the community and community leaders. In alignment with the MHSA, RUHS-BH has included the transformational concepts to develop a community-driven, culturally competent, wellness focused PEI plan that targets individuals and families across the age span, with special attention to underserved cultural communities. Per the State guidelines, an objective of PEI is to increase capacity for mental health prevention and early intervention programs. These programs need to be provided in places where mental health services are not traditionally given, such as schools, community centers, faith-based organizations, etc. The intent of PEI programs is to engage individuals before the development of serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance or to alleviate the need for additional or extended mental health treatment. What is Prevention? Prevention in mental health involves building protective factors and skills, increasing support, and reducing risk factors or stressors Prevention efforts occur prior to a diagnosis for mental illness Generally there are no time limits on prevention programs What is Early Intervention? Addresses a condition early in its manifestation Is of relatively low intensity Is of relatively short duration (usually less than one year) Has the goal of supporting well-being in major life domains and avoiding the need for more extensive mental health services May include individual screening for confirmation of potential mental health needs The State approved Riverside County Prevention and Early Intervention Plan can be found at: http://www.rcdmh.org/MHSA/MHSA-Plan PROGRAM DESCRIPTION RUHS-BH is seeking to offer a Community Mental Health Promotion Program for the ethnically and culturally diverse, unserved, underserved and inappropriately served communities, specifically: Asian-American/ Pacific Islander; African American; Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH); Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA); Native American; Middle Eastern North African (MENA), Individuals with Disabilities, Spiritual/Faith-Based, and Veterans. Community Mental Health Promotion Program (CMHPP) is an education and outreach approach to build relationship with the communities noted above and increase access to mental health serviceswhile reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. Because Community Mental Health Promoters (CMHPs) come from the communities they serve, they can address access barriers that arise from cultural and linguistic differences, stigma, and mistrust of the system. Furthermore, since they usually provide services in the community when and where it is convenient to community members, they help decrease barriers due to limited resources, lack of transportation, and limited availability. In addition to coming from the communities they serve, Promotors can be characterized by three Ps: Presence in the community, Persistence, and Patience – this builds trust in the community. Relationship with the community is one of the key factors that distinguish CMHPs from other health workers. (Promotores(as) in Mental Health in California and the Prevention and Early Intervention Component of the MHSA, policy paper, November 2008). PROGRAM GOALS The goals of the Community Mental Health Promotion Program (CMHPP) are to establish a collaboration and partnership between the Riverside University Health System–Behavioral Health and key community leaders from target population groups identified, as mental health promoters; promote awareness of mental health topics and resources specifically tailored to these communities; increase access to needed services including Prevention and Early Intervention programs; and to provide supervision and ongoing training to support the community-based work of the Community Mental Health Promoters (CMHP) and assist them with developing/enhancing their relationship with the community they serve. The AWARDED CONTRACTOR(S) is/are to utilize strategic outreach to engage the target population by working within the community and collaborating with community organizations, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, and other individuals, groups, and/or services that have the trust of and connection with this population. TARGET POPULATION CRITERIA These services will be implemented countywide in ethnically and culturally diverse, unserved, underserved and inappropriately served communities, specifically: Asian-American/Pacific Islander; AfricanAmerican; Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH); Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA); Native American; Middle Eastern North African (MENA), Individuals with Disabilities, Spiritual/Faith-Based, and Veterans. Services will be made available to individuals of all ages who are at risk of the development of mental health problems. The expected number to be served countywide, annually, per target population group, is projected to be approximately 1,080 unduplicated individuals. PER REGION COUNTYWIDE TOTAL TARGET COMMUNITIES # Served / Month # Served / Year # Served / Month # Served / Year Asian American Pacific Islander 30 360 90 1,080 African American 30 360 90 1,080 Deaf / HoH 30 360 90 1,080 LGBTQIA 30 360 90 1,080 Native American 30 360 90 1,080 Middle Eastern North African (MENA) 30 360 90 1,080 Spiritual/Faith-Based 30 360 90 1,080 Individuals with Disabilities 30 360 90 1,080 Veterans 30 360 90 1,080 ( Please refer to RFP for additional details)