📋
Extraído del Informe Consolidado

Esta investigación fue publicada originalmente como parte de un informe consolidado más amplio que contiene múltiples investigaciones. Consulte el PDF consolidado para ver el documento completo.

Riverside County Grand Jury • 2022-2023

23. Electronic Signatures

View PDF View Full Original

Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F4, F5, F6

Findings 5 findings

F1 Page 116
Partially disagree RUHS-Public Health (RUHS-PH) has a demonstrated history of using local data and community collaboration to guide the development of suicide prevention and other public health programs. RUHS-PH acknowledges the existence of data gaps and limitations, particularly in certain historically underserved populations such as LGBTQ+. To address data gaps and limitations, RUHS-PH is developing an action plan to enhance data collection in an effort to better prevent suicides in the County. The California Department of Public Health Office of Suicide Prevention recently awarded RUHS-PH 54.1 million for a two-year project for RUHS to address suicide reporting and response. The grant calls for, among other goals, enhanced suicide surveillance, expanding suicide risk screening in schools, community-level crisis response, and developing a suicide data dashboard to disseminate timely and actionable data to stakeholders in Riverside County, updated monthly. RUHS-PH will use this additional information to inform the design of existing and future services and programs. GRAND JURY
F2 Page 90
The Civil Grand Jury finds two observations during this investigation: 1. Desplte reasonable efforts to improve the deslgn of forms and to establlsh single points of contact, citizens still perceive intake forms as cumbersome; and 2. Citizens expect govemments to act proactively by initlating appropriate government services themselves, instead of relying on requests for servlces from users. Therefore, offering County residents the convenience of having multiple needs met in one physlcal location is a continuing need. Response: Agree ln response to the findings from the Civil Grand Jury, we concur with the observations presented. RUHS-Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH) has worked diligently to address the identified issues and enhance the service delivery experience for Riverside County residents. 1. Cumbersome lntake Forms: While we recognize concerns regarding the perceived cumbersome nalure of our intake forms, we have actively addressed these challenges. One of our significant responses was the establishment of lhe "Subcommittee for Standardization of lntake Paperwork." This team has been pivotal in refining our intake processes to be both user-friendly and comprehensive. Furthermore, with a keen eye on the diverse backgrounds of our consumers, we ensure forms are culturally sensitive, incorporating multiple languages and framing questions to respect cultural differences. ln our drive for efficiency, we introduced the "No Wrong Door" policy under lhe CalAlM initiative, ensuring consumers are guided appropriately regardless of their enlry point into our system. Additionally, we are consolidating multiple intake documents into a single comprehensive form to reduce redundancy. lt is worth noting that while we aim for streamlined processes, some forms, like lnformed Consent and HIPAA authorization, remain non-negotiable due to their legal and ethical imporlance. They are crilical in safeguarding consumers' rights, even if occasionally considered lengthy. Our initiatives underline our steadfast commitment to enhancing the consumer intake experience while mainlaining our high standards of service, legality, and ethics. 2. Proactlve Government Services: ln alignment with the Civil Grand Jury's
F3 Page 93
The Civil Grand Jury finds Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health has significant partnerships with Riverside County agencies and communlty partners to serve the needs of County residents. Response to Finding: Agree; RUHS-BH in collaboration with Veterans' Services Prevention and Early lntervention (PEl)is a Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) component. A PEI plan is included in the annual MHSA planning process for each of the MHSA components- By design and community stakeholder direction, most PEI programs and services are contracted to community-based organizations that know their community best. PEI programs are intended to engage individuals before developing a serious mental illness or emotional disturbance or alleviate the need for additional or extended mental health treatment. A key element in reaching underserved, at-risk communities is offering programs where mental health services are not lraditionally given, such as schools, community centers, faith-based organizations, etc., and supporting local community-based organizations known and trusted by the community to deliver services. With this focus, Prevention and Early lntervention (PEl) has contracts with: Perris Valley Filipino Americ€n Association; lnland SoCal United Way 211+; Vision y Compromiso; Riverside-San Bernardino County lndian Health; Special Services for Groups; The Wylie Center: l\4Fl; California Family Life Center; The Latino Commission; Operation Safehouse; The Center; lnland Caregiver Resource Center; Jurupa Unified School Dislricl; Reach Out; Riverside Community Health Foundation; California Health Collaborative; Sigma Beta Xi; Family Health; and Support Network, among others. Furthermore, to ensure a holistic approach for our residents with heightened needs, our affiliations expand to inter-departmental partnerships, underscored by MOUs with RUHS-Public Health, the Ofiice on Aging, and Hemet Unifled School District. RUHS-BH also works in close collaboration with Riverside County Veterans' Services to ensure our veterans receive the support they need lo lead fulfilling lives post-service. The referral system from Veterans' services for behavioral health services is designed to be efficient, personalized, and responsive to the unique challenges veterans may face. Additionally, PEI is an originating chair{or the Suicide Prevention Coalition, a coalition of community and public service organizations to address multiple domains related to suicide prevention. Membership includes representatives from most county departments (including DPSS, Housing Authority, Youth Advisory Council, Office on Aging' and others), many community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and private-sector businesses. The partnerships of RUHS-BH are not confined to just these collaborations. our crisis Support System of Care (CSSOC) consistently witnesses interaction between multiple County and community agencies. The reach of our community Behavioral Assessment Teams (CBAT) and Mobile crisis-Response (MCR) is extensive, with entities ranging from the Riverside sheriffls Department, local fire departmenls, community shellers, faith-based organizations, and local businesses. ln conclusion, our commitment to the community is resolute and unwavering These parlnerships are more than just collaboralions; they are the connections binding our community, enabling us to offer timely and effective seNices- We remain committed to fortifying these relationships. Findlng 4: The Civll Grand Jury finds that 988, the newly estabtlshed Sutcide & Crisis Lifeline, diverts Riverside calls through the Los Angeles County call c6nter, Upon identifying as a Riverside resldent, the caller is referred to a secondary number. Though interpretatlon into over 240 languages and dlalects is marketed as available 247 wlth average time to be connected to an interprater within 17 seconds, this was not our experience when requesting interpretation. Response: Agree; RUHS-BH in collaboration with Veterans' Services A program of lnland SoCal United Way & 211+, the lnland SoCal Crisis and Suicide Helpline is available 2417 by calling 951686-HELP (4357). The service is a bilingual hotline staffed by highly trained and compassionate crisis counselors who are as diverse and representalive as the lnland SoCal Region. Counselors assist with emotional support, suicidality assessment and prevention, coping skills, and resource referrals and offer a warm hand-off for mental health services. Additionally, they provide help for a range of other mental health-related crises and experiences such as suicide loss survivor grief, abuse, domeslic violence, identity and relationships, and other sensitive topics. Helpline now also serves as the communities' front door to access the RUHS-BH Mobile Crisis Response teams. ln efforts to continue to strengthen Riverside County's Crisis System of Care and mirror lhe infrastructure of the 988 nelwork, Helpline statf/volunteers screen community members in crisis for the appropriateness of an in-person response from the RUHS-BH mobile crisis teams. The Helpline connecls communily members to the mobile crisis team dispatch cenler when indicated. ln FY22123, there were 5,331 calls to the Helpline. Of those calls, 3,398 were mental health- related, and 888 had suicidal content. There were also 174 warm translers from the Helpline to the RUHS-BH Mobile Crisis Response Team. The 988 system's structure and operations are centralized at the state level. while Riverside County cannot direclly change this system, it can advocate for such changes. The nearesl call center within lhe 988 network is Los Angeles through Didi Hirsch Mental Health services, which serves as the 988 center for seven southern california counties. Although Riverside county's Helpline applied to become a 988 call center, the application was paused during the transition to the 988 system. RUHS-BH leadership and the suicide Prevention coalition have been engaged with Didi Hirsch to promote the integration of the Helpline into the 988 network. The primary goal is establishing a localized call center in Riverside that effectively serves the county's residents. This would minimize the need for call transfers and enable more comprehensive oversight. Despite an initially positive dialogue, subsequent attempts to follow up with Didi Hirsch have noi resulted in any response or updales. Nevertheless, RUHs-BH remains committed to advocating for the inclusion of lhe Helpline in the 988 call center network. This integration would address call transfer challenges and I enhance language interpretation access. RUHS-BH is also cooperating with call center leadership to overcome the challenges and limitations posed by the 988 service. The locus is ensuring a seamless connection between Didi Hirsch and RUHS-BH mobile response units for callers in need. Strenglhening this collaboration remains of utmost importance lo RUHS.
F7 Page 95
The Civil Grand Jury finds that a telephone behavioral health assessment could be an effeclive approach for identifying and managing behavioral heallh issues in older adults, perhaps paving the way for alternative ways to seeking and receiving mental health help among the homebound. Response: Partially Disagree Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Heatth (RUHS-BH) acknowledges the potential of telephone behavioral health assessment, as the Civil Grand Jury highlighted. lt is important to emphasize that a more robusl approach is needed when addressing risk factors for our Older Adult consumers. When concerns are raised about risk factors, we slrongly advocate for a comprehensive, in-person behavioral health screening and assessment to ensure a deeper understanding of the individual's situalion and needs. To provide lhe highest quality of care, we recommend conducting face-to'face assessments This could occur eilher in the consumer's environment, where they live or reside or within lhe welcoming and supportive environment of our Behavioral Health Wellness & Recovery clinics. This'in-person approach allows our skilled professionals to gain a holistic understanding of the individual's mental health, considering the nuances that may nol be fully captured through telephone assessments, Our commitment to the welFbeing of older adults compels us to explore every avenue that can enhance their mental health support. While telephone assessments have their merits, they are mosl effective when used with in-person assessments, especially when risk factors are a concern. This comprehensive approach is a teslament to our dedication lo Providing personalized, empathetic care that meets lhe unique needs of individuals. For homebound individuals who prefer remote assistance, RUHS-BH provides services and works with various agencies that cater to their needs and ensure access to mental health care and assistance: CARES Line (Community Access, Referral, Evaluation, and Support Line) 800' 499-3008: The CARES Line is a 24Il resource that serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking help. Trained staff can provide screening, information, and referrals for mental health ind substance use programs. The service ensures lhat individuals can reach out for support from the comfort of their homes whenever they need it. The compassionate and knowledgeable staff otfers assistance in English and Spanish, making it inclusive and accessible. lnland SoCal Crisis HelPline 951686'HELP (4357): The Crisis Helpline provides a confidential space for individuals experiencing emotional distress or crisis. Available around the clock, the Helpline is staffed by trained professionals ready to provide support, guidance, and resources. For those who may be homebound, the Helpline serves as a lifeline withoul the need to leave their residence. Prevention and Early lnlervention (PEl) Services: The PEI services offered by RUHS- BH are focused on preventing the development of mental health issues by reducing risk I factors and increasing protective faclors. These services include valuable resources such as free trainings, events, presentations, newsletters, and more. Homebound individuals can access these resources online, allowing them to stay informed and I empowered lo take proactive steps for their mental well-being. Additionally, RUHS-BH has specific programs like the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Late-Life Depression, tailored for seniors aged 60 and over. These services are dispensed through community organizations, facilitating the service both in-house and at the participants' residences. Riverside Network of Care for Behavioral Health (https://riverside,networkofcare.org/): This resource seryes as a hub for seniors, veterans, individuals, families, and agencies seeking mental health information and resources- The online platform offers homebound individuals a wealth of information on local services, legislation, support options, and relevant news. Homeconnect (https://vrrww.rcdmh,org/Homeconnect): For individuals facing housing and homelessness challenges, HomeConnect ofiers vital assislance and resources. By providing a phone number for access, homebound individuals can connect with housing and homeless resources without a physical presence. TakemyHand Live Peer Chat (https://takemyhand.co/):This innovative technology solulion allows individuals to engage in real-time conversations about emotional wellness with trained peer operators. The Peer{o-Peer live chat interface provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for building resilience and coping strategies. With Certified Peer Support Specialists who understand emotional diflicullies and substance use challenges, the service is a valuable option for homebound individuals seeking support during difficult times. The designated chal hours offer consistent availability for connection. These options collectively demonslrate RUHS-BH's commilment to ensuring that even homebound individuals have access to various resources and support services for their mental well-being. The emphasis on telephone and online services underscores the organization,s dedication to reaching every corner of the community, regardless of mobility or location. ln our outpatient care provision, we integrate telephone assessments with in-person consullations. our process begins with a telephone evaluation to identify potential behavioral health concerns, followed by comprehensive in-person assessmenls conducted at our clinic, Recognizing the transportation challenges numerous older adults lace, we leverage our Community Service Assislance team, collaborate with health plan services, and engage community transporl agencies. This concerled effort ensures the accessibility of oui services, offering transporlation options thal facilitate ease of access. For example, in Fiscal year 2o2z- 2023 the western region older Adult lntegrated system of care clinic provided 50% of their services via telehealth, phone or as a lield service_ The Older Adults Full-Service Partnership (FSp) program, also known as the Specialty Multidisciplinary Aggressive Response Treatment (sMART) program, is designed to o:ffer specialized support to older adults grappling with severe and peisistent menial illness, particularly those who may not find tradilional outpatient treatment effeclive. This program - primarily focuses on individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have experienced stays in care institutions. The SMART team is comprised of diverse experts, including psychiatrists, therapisls, nurses, and peer support specialists, to provide comprehensive care. A core component of this program involves pairing older adults with wellness guides who assist them in crafling recovery plans that emphasize healthier coping strategies for life's challenges. The program's offerings encompass individual and group therapies, case managemenl, assislance with substance abuse, nursing care, follow-up appointments with psychiatrists, peer support, family advocacy, and more. The SMART team goes beyond its internal resources by collaborating with various community organizations, housing programs, and agencies to ensure a holistic approach to care. Cultural sensitivity and empowerment of older adults to make their own decisions form a crucial foundation for building trust within this demographic. The success of the FSP program has been evident through its positive outcomes. Participants have experienced a reduction in arrests, mental health crises, physical health emergencies, instances of homelessness, and hospitalizations. Many have effeclively managed substance abuse, secured stable housing, and pursued goals like employmenl and independent living post-treatment. The program's expansion stralegy includes admitting more consumers annually and incorporating innovative practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Tai Chi, and Fit for Life. Technology is leveraged to enhance engagement and mental health services, offering features like appointment and medication reminders, daily check-ins, and goal tracking. Across the County the Older Adult Full-Service Partnership (FSP) program served 424 older adults. The results demonstrated noteworthy decreases in arrests, mental and physical health emergencies, and acute psychiatric hospitalizations. By improving connections lo primary services, integrated care was bolslered, and medical crises dropped. These FSP programs mirror the Western Region's initiative and cater to homeless or at.risk older adults with mental health challenges transitioning through various institutions. The multidisciplinary treatment teams include experls such as Behavioral Heallh Services supervisors, psychiatrists, clinical therapists, behavioral health specralists, nurses, peer support specialists, family advocates, and community service assistants. These programs encompass multiple cities and municipalities in the southern and mid-regions of the County. They are easily accessible through the Temecula Older Adult Wellness and Recovery Clinic's resource cenler, enhanced by technology-driven resources. The Mid-County Region FSP for older adults served 2'11 consumers. Simitarly, the Desert older Adult Full-service Pal1nership (FSP) is dedicated to supporting older adulls struggling with severe and persistent mental illness who might not respond well to traditional oUtpatient treatment. This program zeroes in on individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or have been in care institutions. The Desert SMART team employs a flexible approach, collaborating with communily resources lo address a variety of needs. The program's integrated services are delivered through a multidisciplinary team, which includes Behavioral Health Services supervisors, psychiatrists, clinical therapists, behavioral health specialists, nurses, peer support specialists, family advocates, and community service assistants Given the challenging desert climate, collaborations for housing and re-engagement support hold critical importanie. Partnerships with housing programs like HHOPE have provided care and support to consumers in regional apartment complexes. The program emphasizes cultural sensitivity and consumer autonomy to establish and maintain trust in therapeutic relationships. consistently serving over 128 FSP consumers, the Desert FSP program has substantially reduced ariests, mental and physical health crises, acute hospitalizations, and notable progress in addressing subslance abuse. A signilicant achievement has been the decrease in emergency shelter stayior homelessness, with many individuals securing stable housing. ln line with other regional programs, the Desert FSP 3-Year Plan aspires to increase FSP consumers and services by 10% each year, necessitating statf increases, including clinical therapists, behavioral health specialists, and a peer support specialist, over the next three fiscal years The services offered include evaluations, medication checks, care planning, personalized therapy, peer support, specialized group therapy, family assistance, and home-based services through the regional Specialty Multidisciplinary Aggressive Response Treatmenl (SMART) teams. This comprehensive approach ensures the diverse needs of older adults are met and aligns effectively with the Grand Jury's recommendalions. The data outcomes from our Older Adult Full-Service Partnership Program poinl to substanlial improvements, underscoring our commitment and success. Hospitalizations decreased 39.40% in FY19l2O and 53.36% in FY21122. lnstances of mental health emergencies decreased 17.40% in FY19/20 and 24.52o/, in FY21l?2. Physical health emergencies declined 86.70% in FY19/20 and 93.70% in FY21tZ2. Linkage to primary care services increased 56.80% in FY19/20 and 68.50% in Fy21t2Z. These statistics underline our unwavering dedicatron to the older adults in Riverside County and validate our proactive response to the Grand Jury's suggestions. The alignment of our outcomes with the Grand Jury's findings underscores our commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-quality care. Our commitmenl to remote interventions and telephone-based services is a cornerslone of our strategy, illustrating our dedication to proaclive outreach, issue prevention, and early intervention. This commitment is clearly demonstrated through our establishment o{ mental health liaisons within the Ofiice on Aging. This initiative offers a comprehensive range of services, including depression screening, specialized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tailored for late-life depression, referrals, and consultations to address mental health concerns. ln fiscal year 2021 12022,lhe mental health liaisons conducted 102 outreach events at community meetings, resource centers, faith-based locations, senior centers, and by telephone. These efforts reached 3,638 individuals. These liaisons also provided CBT late life therapy directly to 27 participants, in addition to referring old adults to other PEI and clinic mental health services. This approach reflecls our commitment to meeting older adults where they are, regardless of their location or circumstances. Furthermore, the CareLinUHealthy IDEAS Program (ldenlifying Depression Empowering Aclivities for seniors) tackles a critical issue - depression among older adults who may be at risk of housing instability. Guided by the Healthy IDEAS model, which encompasses slreening, assessmenl, education, referral, and behavioral activation, we consistenfly provide vital support to help older adults maintain their overall well-being. This initiative, coupled with the Program lo Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives (pEARLS), is designed with flexibility in mind. we offer multiple options, from in-person iessions to zoom' meetings and telephone consultations, ensuring the broadest possible reach. pEARLS in FY21l22 sqeeaed 117 participants and direcfly served g3 older adults. Furthermore, many of the seryices were provided via zoom and phone. cognitive Behavioral rherapy for Late Liie Depression services are also provided through seveial pEl conlracted providers resulting in over 100 older adults receiving services in the most recent fiscal year. Many of these services included phone services. RUHS-BH remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the mental health needs of older adults. We agree with the Civil Grand Jury's recognition of telephone behavioral health assessmenls and provide allernalive care delivery methods. We will continue to improve our services lo better serve our communily.
F8 Page 99
The Civil Grand Jury finds that s€rvices to the LGBTQIA+ population exist in a patchwork fashion and mostly through non-profit agencies. A more visible and focused strategy at the County lsvcl is not apparent. Response: Partially Disagree PEI services are implemented through community-based organizations, which are typically staffed and managed by the identified service population who know the community best. We coordinate those providers as an overall strategy in the PEI plan. PEI has multiple programs that focus on the needs of the LGBTOIA+ community, dedicating resources lo outreach efforts tailored to this demographic. The Transilional Age Youth (TAY) Resiliency Program is a cenlral initiative targeting individuals aged 16-25. Historically, the program had distinct 'Stress and Your Mood" and 'Peer-to-Peer" services. But in light of experience and the data derived from its implemenlation, these were merged into the TAY Resiliency Project, enhancing coordination and communication. This reslructuring not only streamlines the services but also optimizes them, placing a heavy emphasis on supporting LGBTOIA+ youth. The pro.iecl caters to diverse mental health needs, from early interventions for depression to peerJed support groups. The data collected indicates that these interventions significantly bolster the mental well-being of the parlicipants. Additionally, there is a specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Late-Life Depression, catering to seniors aged 60 and above. This service is dispensed by community-based organizations, with an LGBTQIA+ dedicated entity offering the service bolh onsite and in participants' homes. Additionally, the PEI plan includes mental health promoters' programs lor underserved cullural communities, Promoters are specially trained members of the respeclive community contracted to develop culturally informed behavioral health presenlations and meet with community members to provide education and engagement. LGBTQIA+ is an identified communily within the mental health promoters program. RUHS-BH also contracts with Cultural Community Liaisons (CCL), who are members of lhe respective cultural community and serve as consultants on culturally informed outreach and care and as care access agents. RUHS-BH has 10 identified underserved or at-risk populations that have a ccL: African American; LatinxHispanic: Asian Pacific lslander; Native American; Middle Eastern/North African; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Disabled; Military Veterans; Faith Based Communities: and LGBTQIA+. The LGBTQIA+ CCL has represenled RUHS-BH at LGBTOIA community events, directly engaging and educating the community, presented on LGBTQIA behavioral health at community meetings, and coordinated RUHS-BH sponsorship of LGBTQIA gatherings to welcome the community into RUHS-BH programs. Each ccL also chairs ils community advisory group and invites all interested parties to participate. Advisory groups provide feedback to the department on improving care in thek respective community. The advisory group for the LGBTQIA+ community is called Community Advisory on Gender and Sexuality lssues (CAGSI), which meets once per month. RUHS-BH requires annual cullural competency training for all employees. Training options include a series on providing care to clients that identify as transgender: Transgender 10'1, taught by peer employees with related lrans experience; Trans Care for the Generalist Clinician, led by a licensed clinician: and Developing Experlise in Working with Trans Clients, taught by a psychialrist with expertise in trans-related behavioral health care. A visible coordinated campaign to reach all Riverside County LGBTQIA+ communilies would require a cooperative effort among multiple county agencies, school districts, and local governments. Each has its perspective and degree of support for serving the LGBTQIA+ community, making a comprehensive plan more difficult to achieve. RECOMME NDATIONS

Recommendations 5