Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Triage Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consultants outline community triage center plan; commission directs further stakeholder work
Summary
Health Management Associates presented options for a low-barrier shelter linked to a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and recommended phased implementation, governance models, and pursuit of federal/state funding; commissioners directed staff to continue planning and return with recommendations in early 2026.
Health Management Associates managing principal Paul Fleissner briefed the commission on a community triage center planning project. HMA identified a target service population (adults roughly 33'65 with Medicaid or uninsured status who have moderate-to-severe substance use and co-occurring mental-health needs) and recommended a shelter-focused, low-barrier model connected to broader CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) and housing interventions.
Fleisner described funding avenues including the state's Rural Health Transformation/CCBHC opportunities and HUD's evolving shelter/transitional-housing priorities. He said communities can combine stakeholder funds—hospital contributions, health plans, counties, foundations, and impact investments—to create sustainable models and to reduce reliance on short-term grants.
The HMA presentation reviewed governance options: (1) city/county ownership, (2) a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or (3) an outside partner or backbone organization. Fleissner suggested a request-for-proposal to identify an experienced backbone agency where local nonprofits are not prepared to lead.
Commissioners discussed regional participation, governance structure, and funding sustainability. Commissioner Cleary moved that staff (Renee) and HMA incorporate stakeholder feedback, pursue regional outreach, and return with final recommendations in early 2026; the motion passed unanimously. The commission requested attention to potential city-owned parcel availability, zoning considerations, and coordination with hospitals and health plans to align funding and referrals.
Next steps: HMA will complete a final report and implementation roadmap; Renee and staff will continue stakeholder engagement, pursue identified funding opportunities, and return to the commission in early 2026 with governance and financing recommendations.
