Department
Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities
Requested Action
title
Request approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD) in the amount of $23,500.00 for a Countywide TEXT-4-HELP program. Effective January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. (APPROVED)
body
Requirement for Board Action
O.C.G.A § 36-10-1 Requires any contract entered into by the County be approved by the Board and entered into its official minutes.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item
Health and Human Services
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☒
District 1 ☐
District 2 ☐
District 3 ☐
District 4 ☐
District 5 ☐
District 6 ☐
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
In 2019, Fulton County accepted a Grant from the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority in the amount of $23,500.00 for the purpose of funding a Text-4-Help Program and to authorize and approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). From inception BHDD has received grant funding for this service, however, in 2021 the Grantor informed BHDD that they would no longer be able to support the Text-4-Help program offered by LEAD. In 2022, Fulton County funded the Program from the General Fund in the amount of $23,500.00. Therefore, it is requested that the BOC approve the BHDD FY2023 budget to continue to fund the program in an amount of $23,500.00.
Scope of Work: This MOU with Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD), an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, is for the Text-4-Help Program, through which Fulton County middle and high school students can send and receive confidential text messages and support from licensed clinicians. The program, operated under the governance of Fulton County BHDD, is operated 365 days per year and 24 hours per day every day for students that may be in a crisis or for those who want to help friends or classmates. Licensed clinicians on call respond to text messages within 3 minutes of receiving the incoming text with referrals and resources. Each Fulton County school that utilizes the Text-4-Help system has a unique identifying code. In the case of a life-threatening situation, not only will emergency responders be immediately notified, but school personnel will also be contacted. The system allows teens freedom to reach out for help without fear due to text messages being routed through a cloaking server that keeps all information confidential. LEAD provides the technology and reporting platform for this program. The Department of BHDD has a contract with Chris180 to provide the on-call support from a licensed mental health professional. Text-4-Help is available for communication of any kind of concern, though it is primarily intended for students to use when they need immediate mental health assistance or have a drug/alcohol abuse concern for themselves or a friend.
Community Impact: Will continue to assist in the combat of addiction in its many forms by providing community mental health and substance abuse services to students who attend public middle or high schools in Fulton County.
Department Recommendation: Recommend the approval of the Board of Commissioners to approve the MOU with LEAD.
Project Implications: The services described under this MOU shall be performed by LEAD for a total amount of $23,500. The funding line is 100-755-8231-1160.
Community Issues/Concerns: None
Department Issues/Concerns: None