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Committee approves one-year, no-cost extensions for opioid settlement-funded programs
Summary
The committee approved one-year no-cost contract extensions for opioid settlement-funded services, including Catholic Charities care coordination and Trinity Alliance administration of the LEAD program, and discussed a rental-stipend program run by Addiction Care Center of Albany that served 18 people so far.
Albany County Health Committee members approved one-year, no-cost contract extensions for programs funded through the county's opioid settlement awards, the Department of Mental Health told the committee.
Department staff explained the extensions cover two previously awarded contracts that still have unexpended funds because start-up and hiring took longer than expected. The first covers Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services and a salary line for a certified recovery peer advocate; the second covers administrative support from Trinity Alliance for the county's LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program.
"The 2 items'that they were awarded money for'they've reached the end of the contract period. They still haven't expended all of it," Department of Mental Health staff said, adding that the extensions would allow remaining funds to be spent as originally intended.
Separately, the department requested a one-year, no-cost extension for a grant to the Addiction Care Center of Albany that funds three-month rental stipends for people exiting residential treatment. Department staff said 18 people have completed the stipend program so far and used the assistance to reach stable housing or employment.
Committee members asked how the department measures long-term recovery. Department staff said completion of treatment and stability for the period the county retains contact are the measures used, and that long-term outcomes are difficult to track because people move and life events can cause relapse.
A motion to move the first set of contract extensions was made by Mister Pascin and seconded by Mister Nel and passed on a voice vote. The record shows committee members approved the extensions; details of any roll-call votes and the final contract language were not read into the record at the meeting.
The department indicated it will continue monitoring expenditures and outcomes and will return with additional reporting as required by county contracting rules.
