Code Blue shelter organizers Leslie Johnson, left front, and Mark Lanan, right front, speak to volunteers Julia Menzo, second from left, and Linda Rowland inside the kitchen area of the Code Blue shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church’s Luther Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 12 2021. Photo by Dan Sokil | The Reporter.
The initiative, categorized as “street behavioral health medicine services,” was included in a request for proposals package
Montgomery County health and human services representatives are exploring a program to bring behavioral health services to those experiencing homelessness.
The initiative, categorized as “street behavioral health medicine services,” was included in a request for proposals package that was advertised during last month’s Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting.
“We’d love to see behavioral health, street outreach, for things like mobile psychiatric treatment, substance use treatment and behavioral health treatment as a catch-all.That is what this RFP would cover,” said Kayleigh Silver, administrator of the Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development.
The project’s scope is also expected to include “SSI/SSDI outreach, access and recovery case management services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” the request for proposal states.
“The mobile behavioral health service component should encompass street psychiatry, medication-assisted treatment, case management, care coordination, mobile-based assessments and substance use disorder interventions utilizing ASAM criteria with peer support incorporated throughout,” the request for proposal states. “Eligible applicants must include a detailed description for how physical health and outreach services will be provided in their proposal.”
While homelessness is evident across Montgomery County, Silver noted several areas of concentration in places such as Abington, Cheltenham, Elkins Park, Lansdale, Norristown, and Pottstown.
“We hope that the services. will be covered countywide and [in] areas of high unsheltered populations,” Silver said.
The latest proposal addressing behavioral health concerns in Montgomery County comes five months after county commissioners announced intentions to invest $18 million to open an emergency behavioral health crisis center.
“Anyone in the county will be able to walk in and receive comprehensive mental health support, no questions asked, and when people arrive, they will receive rapid care on site in a safe and calming environment,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder said during a July 23 press conference.
On a larger scale, the request for proposal noted needs for a comprehensive “street medicine program” in Montgomery County “to provide direct medical services, address behavioral health issues exacerbated by homelessness, and build trust with the unhoused community through outreach.”
“The holistic approach targets chronic illnesses, behavioral health challenges such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorders, and social determinants such as lack of stable housing and access to nutritious food,” the request for proposal states.
Funding for proposed services were designated as “pending approval” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If authorized, monies would come from the federal agency’s Behavioral HealthChoices Reinvestment and Overdose Data 2 Action funds.
The initiative was categorized as an “18-month pilot project” using the federal funding, which the request for proposals clarified “will be used to explore and fine tune the service delivery and financial models for continued sustainability.” However, officials stipulated the “contract for services under this RFP will not include funds for the physical or outreach/relational component. Eligible applicants must provide a sustainable plan to provide these services through formal partnerships, MOUs or through their own organization.”
Silver anticipated costs “in the six-figure range” to address behavioral health concerns for unhoused individuals.
Providers have until 10 a.m. on Dec. 20 to submit a bid. Those interested should visit the Montgomery County’s procurement department website for more information. While it’s unclear when the contract might be awarded, Silver did not expect a delay.
“I know it is a very high priority for us. Our goal would be quick,” she said.
