Consideration and Approval of Contract:  Fiscal year 2014 funding for Intake triage Services to include an Alcohol Stabilization Unit (ASU) at the Guidance Center.

In calender year 2012, the Alcohol Stabilization Unit (ASU) served 896 individuals. The primary function of the ASU is to monitor the consumer's safe withdrawal from alcohol and encourage them to commit to long-term treatment services.   The average length of stay in fiscal year 2012 was 2.84 days. All consumers are given a list of community resources at the time of discharge.  With continued funding, the ASU can continue to provide this service to the Flagstaff community.  

$74,250 for fiscal year 2014 if approved. This amount is budgeted in 001-6403-560-2804.  Other stakeholders contribute annually to operate only the ASU and not other programs, as follows:

Northern Arizona Regional Behavior Health Authority (NARBHA), $780,000
Coconino County, $36,000
The Guidance Center also charges ACHSS for all Navajo citizens who are on ACHSS.  In 2012, The Guidance Center recouped $65,000 from charges submitted to ACHSS.

Connection to Council Goal:  Effective Governance (Public Safety): The ASU provides a system of care to accept chronic alcoholics. This keeps them away from the Emergency Department, off the streets and out of jail.  Through continuing treatment and referral, the ASU seeks to return productive citizens back to the community.   

In 2006, the Council supported a multi-year service agreement, which expired in 2011.  Subsequent one (1) year agreements have been approved by Council.

1. The council may approve the service agreement in the amount of $74,250 for fiscal year 2014 and allow for subsequent annual renewals for supplemental periods of up to four (4) additional one (1) year terms.
2. The Council may choose not to continue monetary assistance.

In 2001, the United Way chartered a community work group to address the issue of public intoxicants and available services. This followed the deaths of three (3) individuals from alcohol related to exposures. A chemical withdrawal unit was recommended at that time, but could not be established.

In 2006, a service agreement was made between the City of Flagstaff and the Guidance Center to establish and maintain a detoxification unit. This unit is now referred to as the Alcohol Stabilization Unit and is located at the Guidance Center.
 
The City has satisfied its funding obligation to the Guidance Center based on the 2006 agreement, which expired in fiscal year 2011. Additional one (1) year agreements/extensions have been approved by Council.  The City and community would benefit from the continued operation of the ASU, therefore this is a request to continue funding for fiscal year 2014 in the amount of $74,250 and allow for the service agreement to be renewable for supplemental periods of up to four (4) additional one (1) year terms.      

A request for proposal (RFP) was conducted in May of 2013.  The Guidance Center was the only organization to respond to the RFP. Their proposal response was evaluated and scored and was determined to be responsive and advantageous to the City.  The initial term of the contract shall be for one year. The contract may be renewed for supplemental periods of up to four (4) additional one (1) year terms.

The Flagstaff Police Department, as well as many social service agencies, utilize the detoxification services of the Alcohol Stabilization Unit on a regular basis.  ASU staff members assist consumers in making appointments or referrals and if necessary, provide transportation to medical, dental, vision, therapy or other necessary care.  These services were not provided prior to the establishment of these services at the Guidance Center.  

$74,250 for fiscal year 2014.  If the agreement is renewed for the additional four (4), one (1) year terms, the total cost of those four (4) years would be an additional $297,000.

The on-going operation of the ASU for initial detoxification and care of publicly intoxicated persons, or others suffering from substance abuse, provides an important, charitable and valuable public benefit to the Flagstaff Community.   It results in less persons being sent to the Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Room.   Police agencies, Guardian Medical, and community service organizations now have another entry point for individuals in need of services.  Consumers may also self-present and are able to access a full continuum of behavioral health services regardless of their financial resources.

Collaborate:  Prior to the establishment of the Alcohol Stabilization Unit, representatives from numerous stakeholders in the community met and expressed the need for a detoxification facility. Following the creation of the ASU, stakeholders continue to meet regularly to discuss benefits and improvements in the operation of the ASU.