Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Alameda County Fire Department to Implement and Operate the Alternative Response Unit program in San Leandro for a Period of 18 Months in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,350,000 in Previously Allocated Funds
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
* Public Safety
* Housing and Homelessness
SUMMARY AND RECCOMENDATION
The Alternative Response Unit (ARU) is a collaborative pilot program between Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD), the City of San Leandro, 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 will provide an alternative immediate response to individuals that are experiencing a mental health crisis. The ARU will respond with trained providers that can 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 connections for individuals.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with ACFD to implement and operate the ARU program in San Leandro for a period of 18 months in an amount not-to-exceed $1,350,000 in previously allocated funds.
BACKGROUND
On October 18, 2021, staff presented to City Council a suite of mental health first responder...
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