McHenry Times

McHenry County Mental Health Board met Jan. 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Board Members present: Rachel Boldman, Tracy Champion, Cathy Ferguson, Sam Melei, Connee Meschini, Dawn Pruchniak, Sarah Wilson, Paula Yensen

Board Members absent: Mike Baber

Others present: Emily Fencl, Carlene Cardosi, Lori Parrish, Scott Block, Terry Braune, Jane Wacker, Pat Peterson and other interested parties

1. CALL TO ORDER - C. MESCHINI called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call was taken.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT –

Emily Fencl, Clearbrook - provided update on Clearbrook McHenry County expansion. She invited members to Open Houses for the new CILA home and the Naturally Gifted vocational program in Crystal Lake. She thanked the Board for their support of both projects.

Carlene Cardosi, Rosecrance - introduced John Tumino as the new Substance Abuse Team Leader. He will oversee all SAPs in McHenry County.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FOR ACTION

Paula Yensen motioned to approve the Minutes of the December 18, 2018 Board Meeting. Seconded by Dawn Pruchniak. A VOICE VOTE WAS TAKEN. All in favor, motion carried.

4. REPORTS

A. President's Reports - C. Meschini

i. New Member Welcome and Committee Assignments

Connee mentioned Saturday’s People in Need Forum and the upcoming March 2nd 8:30 am – 1:00 pm (Saturday) Board Development Meeting. She welcomed new Board members Rachel Boldman and Tracy Champion.

Connee presented Board members with updated Committee assignments.

 Executive/Personnel Committee: Chair: Connee Meschini, Cathy Ferguson, Sam Melei, Dawn Pruchniak

 Building and Grounds Committee: Chair: Cathy Ferguson, Tracy Champion, Sam Melei, Dawn Pruchniak, Sarah Wilson  By Laws Committee: Chair: Sam Melei, Cathy Ferguson, Dawn Pruchniak Paula Yensen

 Ethics and Compliance Committee: Chair: Dawn Pruchniak, Mike Baber, Rachel Boldman, Cathy Ferguson, Sarah Wilson  Finance and Audit Committee: Chair: Sam Melei, Mike Baber, Tracy Champion, Rachel Boldman, Paula Yensen

Scott referenced Pp. 7 of the agenda which states the MHB will host The State of Addiction in McHenry County on Monday, January 28th at 3 pm.

B. Director's Report - S. Block

Scott provided the Directors Report noting;

General MHB Updates/ED Activities – to increase awareness of MHB Network services:

 MHB Board Members will receive an email notice to file annual Economic Interest statements.

 MHB Website Analytics for FY16–18 are shown on packet page 13.

 MHB established a Facebook page in FY18 and received 10.6k views of MHB related content.

 The MHB’s Weekly Hot Sheet reaches over 1,200 recipients with a 37% average open rate which is higher than the industry average of 21%.

 MHB is implementing a text messaging marketing effort through SENTEXT Solutions. The effort includes gathering subscribers, sending spot announcements and measuring results.

 Increased press releases, ads in McHenry County magazine continue to raise awareness. Also noted:

 On January 11th, the MHB sponsored the first of 6 scheduled Law Enforcement Mental Health First Aid trainings in FY19. 17 new officers were trained in addition to the 200 trained last year. Recovery Coaching hosted by the MHB started today for participants from AID, Live4Lali, New Directions and Rosecrance.

Network and Provider Updates/Activities

 On January 9th, Behavioral Perspective Inc. (BPI) held its first group meeting which introduced their MHB sponsored ABA program to 18 families with children diagnosed with Autism. Due to interest from the Spanish speaking families, BPI will create Spanish subtitles for its webinars and will transcribe them to increase education and access for Spanish speaking families.

 AID now offers a Family Program (MHB supported) which provides family therapy as well as individual therapy for children and adolescents.

 New Directions updated the MHB with evidence of its organizational pursuit of Sober Living Certification through the Illinois Association of Extended Care.

 Northwestern Medicine implemented new Telepsychiatry software to provide coverage for crisis services in their Huntley and McHenry locations. This will maximize the efficiency of services and reduce transportation time between locations. The Outpatient clinic at Woodstock has continued to expand in the past 3 months. Staff is exploring options to increase the number of clinic appointments per week to reduce wait times for new patients and to expand overall patient census. Behavioral health staff and internal medicine services are collaborating to improve alcohol withdrawal protocol for high-risk patients. This includes educating staff members as well. Innovation efforts are spearheaded by MHB Psychiatric Loan Recognition participants.

MHB Buildings and Grounds Update

 MHB staff and County IT are finalizing the hardware bid requirements for the Wireless Internet Upgrade project budget in FY19. If the final costs are over the $30,000 Purchasing Policy limit within ED authority, approval will be sought from the full Board.

MHB County Board/State/Federal Interface

 Scott provided a MHB overview on Jan. 4th for the County Board’s Public Health & Community Services Committee. The Power Point presentation is provided in the packet.

 MHB ED & Legal Counsel reviewed and filed paperwork related to the MHB’s Certificate of Status of Exempt Property. The paperwork states that if there is negative impact on exemption, the MHB will be able to recoup those funds from Lessees.

C. Ethics and Compliance Report - D. Pruchniak

Dawn reported that the Committee met on January 8th. She stated the current Compliance and Audit processes are working well. Agenda items included review of FY18 Annual Compliance Report, FY18 Compliance Audits, Provider Pay-for-Performance and Standard Outcomes. Dawn noted that 44 audits were completed at 30 different locations. 89 work plans resulted in 110 work plan audits with $45,000 in audit recoupment. Also of note were:

 24 MHB trainings with 1300 attendees and 77 CEU’s offered

 48 QPR trainings with almost 3000 attendees

These are impressive numbers and it was a very positive meeting.

D. Finance and Audit Committee - S. Melei

The Committee met January 15th. Agenda items included Treasurer’s Reports, FY18 Reconciliation Policy and Reports, Fund Balance Reserve Spenddown Policy, Fund Balance and Service Gaps. This was the MHB’s 4th year of reconciliation. 24 agencies were involved in the process, few were late. There was a total payback of $367,750 of unspent funds, up just a bit from last year. Board member response to reconciliation was reviewed. MHB Staff continues to work on these.

The Committee reviewed the Fund Balance Reserve Policy. Gaps in service discussion resulted in an immediate opportunity to address gaps in sober living and homeless services. The committee directed Scott to look further at these 2 gaps and present his findings to the Board for possible funding. Scott is planning a study of substance abuse services to identify what the needs really are.

E. Network Council - C. Ferguson - No Report - Next Meeting: Mon. Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m. F. Board Site Visits - See Old Business

5. CONSENT AGENDA - FOR ACTION

A. 201901-03 Treasurer's Report for the Period Ending November 30, 2018 (v2) and Treasurer's Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2018 (v1)

B. 201901-04 MHB Monthly Bills - $961,997.58

Cathy Ferguson motioned to approve the Consent Agenda, items A, V2 and V1, and item B.

Seconded by Sarah Wilson. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN. Paula Yensen – Yes, Cathy Ferguson - Yes, Sam Melei – Yes, Rachel Boldman – Yes, Tracy Champion – Yes, Dawn Pruchniak – Yes, Sarah Wilson – Yes, Connee Meschini – Yes. All in favor. Motion carried. All in favor. Motion carried.

6. OLD BUSINESS - FOR DISCUSSION/FOR ACTION

A. Board Site Visit Update

Scott reviewed assignments for Board site visits and questions as provided in the Board packet. Board members should complete their agency visits by the end of May to avoid an overlap with the funding process. A written or verbal summary will be provided to the Board. Notify Pat know ready to report at the meeting so she can add it to the agenda.

7. NEW BUSINESS - FOR DISCUSSION/FOR ACTION

A. FY 18 Annual Compliance Report

Scott reviewed the FY18 Annual Compliance Report as required by MHB CARF Accreditation. Tracked are CQI, Sentinel/Critical Events, and MHB Safety drills.

Scott noted the attendance at the School Professionals meeting, started by the MHB, has consistently been about 12 School Districts and 60+ people. The School Professionals have voiced that they want the MHB to continue to host these meetings. County Emergency Management and MHB assistance in countywide emergencies was discussed. Formalizing the relationship is part of the MHB’s Three Year Plan.

B. FY 18 Network Outcomes

Scott reviewed Pp. 54, the FY18 P4P Outcomes Report YEAREND, related to 8 psychiatric providers: AID, Aunt Martha’s, Epilepsy Foundation, Family Alliance, GEFCC, Horizons Behavioral Health, Mathers Behavioral Health and Rosecrance. Scott noted the average no-show rate and productivity rates are well within industry standards. The report also included the total number of clients served, client reported hospital utilization and crisis data, and client satisfaction rates.

The FY18 Network Outcomes Report YEAREND

FY18 Averaged Network Outcomes Report YEAREND, Pp. 57, showed MHB outcomes of Domains, which are

modeled after the SAMHSA National Outcome Measures. Each provider chooses two domains of outcome measurement for MHB funded services. MHB does not mandate a specific tool across all providers but does require each provider to have a tool in place. MHB staff conducts compliance audits and requires documentation of outcome measurement and reporting processes. Pp. 56 shows a reduction in the number of overdose and suicide deaths in McHenry County in FY18 from FY17. This is in part a result of 2 MHB supported programs, QPR and Suicide Prevention Task Force efforts.

C. 201901-05 Youth Partial Hospitalization Program Expansion

Scott reviewed the background of this funding request including the Board’s previous decision to reserve unallocated FY19 dollars in support of the expansion. Unallocated dollars will aid Alexian expansion to assist in Youth Partial Hospitalization. The program currently operates with a wait list. Prior to the MHB’s work in FY18 to bring the service to McHenry County, the closest location was in Hoffman Estates. Alexian refers waitlisted clients in Crystal Lake to the Hoffman Estates location. They are expanding the Crystal Lake program from 1,900k sq. ft. to 3,200 sq. ft. on the main level of their current location. Horizons has amicably agreed to terminate their partnership for psychiatric services as it was difficult for them to meet the need and Alexian now provides all psychiatric services with in-house doctors. This program treats only McHenry County clients. Sarah Wilson motioned that the Mental Health Board, Board of Directors ratifies the transfer of $8,700 in currently allocated FY19 funds from Horizons to Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health and approves $70,000 in grant funds to Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health in support of the Youth Partial Hospitalization program expansion. Seconded by Cathy Ferguson. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN. Paula Yensen – Yes, Cathy Ferguson - Yes, Sam Melei – Yes, Rachel Boldman – Yes, Tracy Champion – Yes, Dawn Pruchniak – Yes, Sarah Wilson – Yes, Connee Meschini – Yes. All in favor. Motion carried. All in favor. Motion carried.

D. 201901-05 Fund Balance Reserve Policy

Scott noted the Fund Balance Reserve Policy on Pp. 60 for Board review. It is reviewed annually by the Finance and Audit Committee. Including unspent and allocated Grant/POP dollars from FY18, the Board has about $1.5M available in fund balance beyond its 5-month reserve and cash needs. The next step is to develop a spenddown plan to meet existing service gaps. The Board is positioned to bridge the gap between two significant service needs. All are aware of the Pioneer Center efforts to establish a year-round homeless shelter. Pioneer Center (PC) is anticipating sale of the KVR property which will fund their new homeless program and free up cash flow in the first year.

States Attorney Kenneally has helped New Directions (ND) raise approximately $500,000 in funds to develop a large scale Sober Living facility. They have toured the PC Kishwaukee Valley Road (KVR) site and are interested in acquiring the property. MHB funding could address two large community needs—homelessness and sober living facilities The Finance and Audit Committee has directed Scott to review the MHB’s options for dialogue with the full Board for assessment. This is one opportunity on table regarding the use of fund balance.

If New Directions is successful in acquiring the KVR property, Paula hopes New Directions will connect with neighbors early on to ensure a smooth transition and reduce conflict. The MHB could make funds contingent upon this action. Scott used to run the PADS facility and noted the existing clients are actively homeless, not required to be in treatment, with many untreated and non-medication compliant. The ND clientele are anticipated to be more stable than the clients are in the PADS system.

Connee wants to ensure a professional appraisal of the property is completed prior to the MHB consideration of funding. Scott noted additional considerations prior to bringing this to the Board include conditional use requirement, UDO requirement, certification and/or accreditation, proposed McHenry County residency requirements, transportation plan for site, eligibility requirements, etc.

Cathy asked that the Board find out how PC will handle their ongoing deficit projection and the homeless shelter project.

Scott noted that he attended Pioneer Center’s recent public meeting. The McHenry County Community Foundation (MCCF) is also engaged with the funding discussion. In theory, if PC sold KVR, the MCCF could approach fundraising differently and potentially focus more attention to sustainability.

Paula would like to know more about Pioneer Center fundraising efforts and the financial sustainability of the homeless shelter program. Scott sought Board direction on the type of information needed related to the ND sober living project as this project fits within the MHB’s charge. Funding the ND purchase of KVR would help fill significant gaps in both addiction and homelessness services. This funding would help PC establish the homeless shelter program.

The other opportunity is a Study of Substance Abuse Needs in McHenry County. This would provide proof of need and quantify the need for Detox and Residential Care. No one has ever done a study to demonstrate how many county residents are receiving these levels of care outside of the county. Scott plans to commission such a study.

Sarah noted that a study would assist and would run concurrent with this. She feels that ND has connections and skills to handle the renovation and operations of a sober living facility. Reaching out to neighbors to inform them that they would be in a better place is a good idea.

Dawn supported the idea of ND moving to KVR. She felt that neighbors could be happy with the change if well informed. Funding ND would be a way to support both community needs. Sarah noted that there is little likelihood of running a profitable homeless program but at the end of the day, PC is the only organization stepping up to offer the services. The reality is that homelessness is a drain on the budget.

Paula noted that PC is good at raising funds for the homeless program and feels they will be successful in conjunction with The Chapel. She requested that PC provide a roadmap of how funds will be raised.

Scott noted there are many moving parts to the ND Sober Living project and the Pioneer Center Homeless Shelter. He will provide the Board with further information as it relates to the MHB’s interests.

The Board directed Scott to move forward gathering information to bring forward for Board funding consideration.

Robin Doeden (MCCF) and Carole Peters (United Way) were invited to the MHB meeting next month to discuss the state of philanthropy in McHenry County.

8. PRESENTATION: OPTIONS & ADVOCACY: INDEPENDENT SERVICE COORDINATION UPDATE – will reschedule this presentation.

9. MEMBERS' COMMENTS – None.

10. PUBLIC COMMENT – Lori Parrish, D3 County Board Member, introduced herself. She has previously worked in crisis intervention and behavioral health at psychiatric hospitals. The work of the MHB is near and dear to her heart. She looks forward to continuing to support the MHB.

11. ADJOURN - Sarah Wilson motioned to adjourn. Paula Yensen Seconded. A VOICE VOTE WAS TAKEN. All in favor, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

https://mchenrycountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=4177&Inline=True