Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Amendment to the Agreement with Alameda County Fire Department for the Alternative Response Unit to Extend Operations Through June 30, 2027 And Add $1,096,913 in Previously Approved General Funds Bringing the Total-Not-to-Exceed Amount to $2,446,913
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
* Public Safety
* Housing and Homelessness
SUMMARY
On July 15, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Alameda County Fire Department to implement and operate the Alternative Response Unit (ARU) pilot program in San Leandro for a period of 18 months (July 15, 2024 through January 15, 2025) in an amount not to exceed $1,350,000. The pilot program was funded using American Rescue Plan Action (ARPA) funds.
The Alternative Response Unit is a collaborative pilot program between Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD), the City of San Leandro, Cardea Health, and community providers to more efficiently utilize the relevant health care services to meet the behavioral health and medical needs of the residents of San Leandro and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and readmissions. The ARU provides an alternative immediate response to individuals that are experiencing a mental health crisis. The ARU responds with trained providers that provide real-time assistance to individuals with non-violent mental health and substance abuse needs that might otherwise be left to, among other outcomes, enter the 911 system or be placed on a psychiatric hold. The goals of the ARU are to reduce police response to 911 calls related to behavioral health of unhoused residents; deliver an appropriate and timely response to behavioral health calls that meet the individual's needs; decrease the number of unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations; and bridge and facilitate community and governmental service con...
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