Ulster C.A.R.E.S. Community Access Through Restructuring of Essential Services

Ulster County Executive Mike HeinMay 23, 2013

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Current Service Model is Not Sustainable

There has been a 50% decline in

Federal and State aid for mental health clinic services in

Ulster County

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013State & Federal Funding 16,271,135 15,473,832 13,551,565 11,384,867 8,019,115 Net County Share 5,500,000 5,462,129 5,608,711 5,852,056 5,021,539

FEDERAL & STATE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FUNDING

-

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

18,000,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

State & Federal Funding

Net County Share

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What Happens if We do Nothing?

Choice 1: Reduce access by only serving Medicaid eligible clients, leaving hundreds of residents without needed mental health treatment;

Choice 2: Dramatically raise property taxes; and

Choice 3: Eliminate other essential but non-mandated services.

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Ulster C.A.R.E.S

“It is not about a bigger government or a smaller government…but a better government.”

Ulster C.A.R.E.S. Community Access Through Restructuring of Essential Services

Ulster County Executive Mike HeinMay 23, 2013

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Ulster C.A.R.E.S = Better Government

Ensures the ongoing provision of quality adult mental health services to Ulster County residents by a highly respected mental health care agency;

Preserves and enhances the services of the Department of Mental Health Local Government Unit in accordance with State law;

Ensures that Ulster County receives the maximum available Federal and State aid to reduce local costs;

Protects taxpayers by ensuring that comprehensive mental health clinical and support services are available without an increase in taxes; and

Brings stability and maximizes the efficiency of the Ulster County workforce.

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How the Ulster C.A.R.E.S Project works

Forms an innovative public/private partnership with Hudson Valley Mental Health to operate Adult Mental Health Clinics in Ulster County

Hudson Valley Mental Health (HVMH) is a local not for profit with a long standing track record of accessible, affordable, and culturally competent services.

Creates a seamless transition to ensure continuity of care Professional staff from the Ulster County Department of

Mental Health will continue to provide direct care to Ulster County residents with no change in employment status; and

HVMH will lease existing clinical space and equipment at current clinic sites in Kingston, Ellenville and New Paltz.

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How the Ulster C.A.R.E.S Project works

Preserves and enhances the services provided by the Ulster County Department of Mental Health Local Government Unit

Addresses new State mandates related to the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act;Improves coordination of inmates who are released from the Ulster County Jail;Collaborates with Law Enforcement including ongoing dialogue and training for police to assist the management of emotionally disturbed individuals;

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How the Ulster C.A.R.E.S Project works

Increases school-based mental health services;Enhances performance monitoring of community partners to optimize resource allocation;Procures funding for hospital diversion and crisis services; andImplements enhanced community-wide training on suicide and violence prevention and intervention.

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Ulster C.A.R.E.S Staffing Plan

18 employees will staff the Department of Mental Health’s Local Government Unit;

17 employees will provide direct services to clients of clinics operated by Hudson Valley Mental Health;

13 employees will join the staff of the Department of Social Services;

County employees impacted by this plan will retain their employment status, wages and benefits under the collective bargaining agreement.

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How the Ulster C.A.R.E.S Project works

This staff reassignment to the Ulster County Department of Social Services will help address service needs and maximize Federal and State reimbursement.Creates a dedicated Energy Assistance Unit within the Ulster County Department of Social Services to increase efficiency and support HEAP and other economic assistance programs;Provides enhanced service to seniors by assigning staff to the Office for the Aging to coordinate HEAP applications; and Enhances the Coordinated Children’s Services Division to further meet the needs of Children and Families.

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Financial benefits of Ulster C.A.R.E.S.

Saves approximately $120,000 the first year through reduction of expenses and leveraging of available State and Federal aid; and

Results in additional anticipated savings over the term of the service agreement.

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Proposed Timeline

Legislative Action – 6/18/13

Clinic Transition – 7/1/13 to 12/31/13

Staff Orientation and Training – 9/1/13 – 12/31/13

Transfer Clinic Operations – 1/1/14

Transfer Staff to DSS – 1/1/14

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Ulster C.A.R.E.S. Community Access Through Restructuring of Essential Services

For more information visit the county website at www.co.ulster.ny.us or contact the

Office of the County Executive at (845) 340-3800