Napa County, CA
10/01/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 16:28
HHSA Be Well Fall 2024
From Agency Director, Jennifer Yasumoto
Over the past several years, the Napa County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) has made tremendous strides in better serving our most vulnerable populations. Through various initiatives, we are expanding our reach to meet individuals where they are. In this issue, we highlight HHSA's ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis, preserve foster youth placements, offer on-site public assistance programs at local schools, and, with the support of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, increase support to in-home care providers who deliver critical services to our residents.
In addition, we highlight our Full-Service Partnerships (FSP) which exemplify the "whatever it takes" philosophy to assist individuals facing serious mental health challenges. These programs, led by dedicated and compassionate teams, provide wraparound services addressing mental health, housing stability, and overall well-being across all age groups.
Together, these efforts reflect the dedication of HHSA staff to bring these programs to life, making a meaningful impact and helping to build a healthier, more resilient Napa community.
THE HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
- Behavioral Health
- Child Welfare Services
- Comprehensive Services for Older Adults
- Public Health
- Self Sufficiency Services
The Health & Human Services Agency is located at: 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Bldg. B. Napa, CA 94558
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FENTANYL FAKE & FATAL |
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KNOW THE RISKS, SAVE A LIFE |
Partnering to Address the Opioid Epidemic
California has joined national lawsuits targeting manufacturers, distributors, and other entities that contributed to the opioid epidemic, resulting in funding to cities and counties for the abatement of this crisis. Napa County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is using these funds to address the opioid epidemic through prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services. In April 2024, HHSA awarded funding to local non-profit organizations to combat the opioid crisis in Napa County. Their initiatives will run through June 2027.
Additionally, Behavioral Health and Public Health staff at HHSA provide administrative and health education/outreach support to the local Napa Opioid Safety Coalition (NOSC). Our efforts align well with the coalition's goals which focus on preventing addiction, increasing treatment access, and promoting safer opioid practices.
One key initiative launched through NOSC earlier this year is the Fentanyl Awareness Task Force, which includes members from the Michael Leonardi Foundation, Song for Charlie, and Aldea. Supported by HHSA staff, the task force conducted fentanyl awareness presentations in schools, reaching approximately 4,000 middle and high school students across six schools during the 2023-24 academic year. Since July of 2023, HHSA Health Education Specialists Ariana Ponce and Nadia Barboza attended 25 outreach events, reached over 2,600 people, provided 11 trainings on the use of naloxone and distributed over 1,700 naloxone kits. In addition to school presentations, the Fentanyl Awareness Task Force rolled out a dynamic advertising campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. This campaign began featuring ads displayed on buses and bus shelters throughout Napa, which will run until December 2024.
Another significant NOSC initiative, supported by HHSA funding, is the installation of Naloxone Distribution Boxes throughout Napa County. These boxes will provide free doses of Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, including those caused by fentanyl. This life-saving effort is a critical part of the county's harm reduction strategy and aims to ensure that more people have access to emergency intervention in the event of an overdose. NOSC is supported by a Steering Committee that includes leaders from various sectors committed to addressing the opioid crisis together.
The Family Urgent Response System (FURS) is a critical statewide program providing immediate, trauma-informed support to current and former foster youth and their caregivers during crises. Our Child Welfare Services program is excited to share information about this program. FURS is designed to prevent foster care placement disruptions, maintain stability, and reduce the need for emergency services like law enforcement or hospitalization. By offering trauma-sensitive alternatives, FURS promotes healing, preserves relationships, and enhances the retention of foster caregivers.
Key features of FURS include a 24/7 toll-free hotline staffed by trained counselors skilled in conflict resolution and a county-level mobile response team available around the clock for in-person, in-home support.
The Goal: To de-escalate conflicts, promote communication, and preserve placement stability in foster homes.
Two recent cases illustrate FURS' impact: In one instance, a foster youth called FURS from a coffee shop after a conflict at home. A social worker met with the youth and, through mediation, helped them feel comfortable returning home. The worker then facilitated a discussion with the youth and caregiver, ensuring placement stability.
In another case, a caregiver called FURS during a conflict with a teen. A social worker responded, mediating separately with the caregiver and youth before bringing them together to resolve the issue, resulting in a stronger relationship and placement stability. FURS offers foster youth and caregivers immediate professional support, promoting stability and well-being.
This essential resource is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-833-939-FURS, ensuring help is always just a call away.
Full Service Partnership (FSP) Programs
"Whatever it takes"
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), passed 20 years ago, aimed to expand services for individuals with serious mental health conditions to enhance funding through a 1% tax on personal incomes exceeding $1 million. One of the game-changing programs under MHSA has been our Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs, which offer comprehensive mental health services across various age groups with a guiding principle of "doing whatever it takes" to promote recovery and wellness.
All services in FSPs are client driven, based in the recovery approach, and are culturally competent in providing services that are comprehensive and tailored to assist individuals in reaching their specific wellness and recovery goals, while honoring and respecting all cultural backgrounds.
"Case management with Napa County has helped me significantly. They're pro education, pro work, pro volunteer community programs. They help me with things like groceries, appointments, medications and treatments." (Adult Treatment Team FSP client, anonymous)
Our Behavioral Health Services include five FSP programs tailored to specific populations:
Adult FSP
This program provides intensive wraparound services to adults (26-59) with severe mental illness, especially those experiencing homelessness. The program helps individuals obtain housing, improve their mental health, and work toward recovery. Since 2014, the Fresh Start housing initiative has helped 102 individuals, 80% of whom transitioned to stable housing.
Older Adult FSP
For those aged 60 and older, this program focuses on preventing homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization by connecting individuals with supportive services, such as medical care and in-home support. Last year, it helped 32 individuals maintain stable housing.
Adult Treatment Team (ATT) FSP
This team assists adults (18-59) recently hospitalized or incarcerated, providing case management and support during transitions back to the community. ATT served 492 individuals last year, helping reduce recidivism and stabilize participants.
Transitional Age Youth (TAY) FSP
Aimed at young adults (16-25), this program helps those with serious mental illness navigate the transition to adulthood by providing therapy, independent living skills, and case management to promote resilience and independence.
Children's FSP
This program supports children (0-15) experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges, offering family-centered, strength-based care that includes counseling, skill-building, and psychiatry services.
"It's a very good program. I was homeless and using daily for three years straight. Two years ago, I started the program and I've been clean and sober ever since. They helped me find housing, set me up with my doctor and have helped me with my mental health. It's been a blessing." (Older Adult FSP client, anonymous)
These FSP programs embody HHSA's commitment to helping individuals of all ages achieve stability and wellness through comprehensive behavioral health services.
School Based Partnerships Meeting Families Where They Are
Self Sufficiency Services (SSS) has been expanding its community presence by stationing Eligibility Specialists at local elementary school Family Resource Centers. This initiative began after a 2016 Town Hall at Phillips Elementary School identified the need for on-site public assistance support. Although paused during COVID, the program has since resumed in partnership with The Neighborhood Initiative. Last year, we developed a more extensive relationship to expand our eligibility specialist presence at the Family Resource Centers to five different elementary schools throughout Napa County, including Napa Junction, Phillips, Shearer, McPherson, and Snow. Eligibility Specialist, Karina Leon, helps families apply for and receive services such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal.
By being available on school campuses, we're able to removes barriers like transportation issues, allowing families to access benefits more easily. For example, at Phillips Elementary, a family was able to apply for CalFresh benefits, complete an interview, and submit necessary verifications all in one day. The family's application was processed and approved the same day, thanks to the on-site assistance.
We work very closely with our Family Resource Centers at the school sites to promote our presence, schedule appointments, and see walk-ins to support the community. We have seen a great turnout at the school sites and are building a network to serve the community better. This partnership with schools has significantly improved access to public assistance, promoted community engagement, and helped build a network of support for Napa families.
"We are deeply grateful for your partnership. Having eligibility workers co-located at our Family Resource Centers makes it easier for our participants to access services and ask questions about the status of their applications. It's convenient to have them on site; participants can stop by after dropping off their kids and inquire about updates or report changes, especially for those who do not drive and find it difficult to visit the main office. Thank you for your support." (Sonia Lili Ochoa, Program Director, The Neighborhood Initiative)
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider Wage Increase
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a Medi-Cal program that helps low-income aged, blind, and disabled individuals remain safely in their homes by funding care providers for essential services. These services range from personal care, such as bathing and dressing, to domestic tasks like house cleaning, meal preparation, and shopping. IHSS aims to prevent out-of-home placement by supporting vulnerable individuals in maintaining independence.
Napa County remains committed to supporting its most vulnerable residents, demonstrated by a new contract with SEIU Local 2015, representing IHSS care providers. As of May 1, 2024, Napa County IHSS care providers receive $20 per hour, a $3.05 increase from the previous year. The wage also floats above California's minimum wage, automatically increasing if the state raises its base pay. This contract positions Napa County as a leader in caregiver compensation, joining San Francisco and San Mateo in offering wages of $20 per hour or more.
Care providers play a critical role in the safety net, delivering essential services that allow individuals to stay at home. However, the work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and the skills required are often undervalued. The wage increase recognizes their dedication and helps Napa County recruit more care providers. Since the wage increase, the number of approved registry care providers is steadily increasing.
This historic wage boost not only improves recruitment but also acknowledges the vital contributions of IHSS providers. As one care provider expressed, "Every penny counts and I'm so grateful for the wage increase." Napa County's commitment to these providers ensures that essential care will continue for the elderly and disabled.
For more information or to apply for IHSS in Napa County, contact Comprehensive Services for Older Adults (CSOA) at 707-253-6272 or visit their office at: 650 Imperial Way, Suite 101 Napa, CA.
Events
On September 12, 2024, the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay (WANB) and Napa County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), formally opened CareerPoint Napa at the new location at the HHSA campus. The ceremony featured remarks from local officials and a tour of the location. We are excited to welcome the American Job Center of California (AJCC) to our campus. The AJCC, named CareerPoint Napa, will provide a range of services to help job seekers and employers meet their workforce needs.
On the same day, CareerPoint Napa hosted a Job Fair at the HHSA campus in recognition of the opening of the AJCC. The Job Fair brought in over 292 job seekers and 27 businesses/organizations. Participating employers included CVS, Redwood Credit Union, and the USPS to name a few.