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Board approves behavioral health contracts and $1.2M medical-transport agreement funded by state
Summary
County commissioners approved contract increases for the LEAD peer-recovery program and state care coordination, and approved a $1.2 million contract with AAA Transport for Maryland Medical Assistance non-emergency transportation; staff said all these awards are covered by state or federal funds and do not require county general-fund dollars.
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners on June 9 approved several health and behavioral‑health contracts, including a contract modification to expand a law‑enforcement diversion and peer recovery program and a $1.2 million non‑emergency medical transportation contract.
Laura Sheffield Bishop, director of behavioral health services for the Washington County Local Addiction Authority, described the LEAD program (Let Everyone Advance with Dignity), noting expanded funding will support targeted case management and peer recovery services for individuals diverted from arrest to treatment. Staff said the additional award to PTOI Community Services totals $60,524 in internal reallocated funds plus a new award amount of $18,480 (staff presented both figures during the discussion); county staff emphasized the Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration provides 100% of the funding for the contract and no county general‑fund dollars were requested.
The board also approved a $118,000 contract with CareFirst Community Health LLC for state care coordination services to support behavioral health and substance use disorder recovery. Staff explained eligibility varies by program component and referrals come from community partners and police diversion programs.
Finally, the board approved a one‑year, $1.2 million contract with AMVAN/AAA Transport to provide non‑emergency medical transportation for Medical Assistance recipients for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, with two one‑year option years. Staff said these transports are 100% federally funded through the state and reported 13,761 one‑way transports were performed in FY26.
Commissioners asked questions about program referrals, success metrics (LEAD cited low probation violation rates among participants), and operational details of the medical transport program. Each contract was approved by voice vote; staff noted all were funded through state or federal grants so there is no additional county local funding obligation for these items.
