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Health department, board press for clearer reporting and possible on-site behavioral-health links at Salinas 'share center'
Summary
County health staff said community human services (CHS), the share center operator, refers clients identified at intake to behavioral-health providers and will compile data on referrals and outcomes; the board asked staff to return with additional analysis in March and discussed added notice to the board if a provider seeks to exit.
County health and social-services officials told the Board of Supervisors that people screened at the Salinas share center currently receive an intake assessment and are referred to off-site behavioral-health services when needed; CHS provides transportation when that is a barrier. Health staff said CHS is compiling additional data about how many clients needed mental-health or substance-use services, how many were linked, and whether cases were mild, moderate or severe.
Health Department presenter Elsa Jimenez said, “All individuals at the time of intake are assessed,” and added that the department would consider telehealth or contract changes if the assessment shows an on-site behavioral-health need.
Director of Social Services Roderick Franks told the board the current MOU between the county and the City of Salinas already requires an annual public report with minimum data elements — including the number of clients served and the number of unsheltered persons placed into permanent housing — and county staff said they can expand reporting if the board requests additional metrics. Franks said the board could achieve the request for early notification about a provider change through committee-level notice and a side letter without reopening the entire MOU.
Supervisor Luis Alejo, who referred the matter, pressed for robust reporting of rapid-rehousing outcomes; community-affiliations manager John Gill said the operator reported 19 exits from the share center and that “a large percentage…15 or so were positive exits.” The board asked staff to return with updated data in March and to propose any necessary side-letter language to ensure earlier notice to the board if an operator intends to terminate agreements.
