Consideration and Approval of a Contract: First Amendment to the Mental Health Service Agreement with Redemption Counseling Center, Inc. for Flagstaff Fire and Police Department personnel
 

1. Approve the First Amendment to the Mental Health Service Agreement with Redemption Counseling Center, Inc. in the additional amount of $293,872.50 for Flagstaff Fire and Police Department personnel; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents

This First Amendment continues the partnership between the City of Flagstaff and Redemption Counseling Center, Inc. (RCC); a local nonprofit provider of mental health services to provide mental and behavioral health services to Flagstaff Fire and Police Department personnel. On July 11, 2025, the City and RCC entered into a three (3) month Mental Health Service Agreement with RCC for annual assessments, ongoing counseling, and critical incident debriefings for Fire and Police Department personnel in the amount of $97,957.50. This First Amendment will continue to ensure confidential and timely behavioral health support for first responders with the option of an annual renewal and a 5% escalator built in. The additional term of the First Amendment will be nine (9) months and will bring the total cost of services provided by RCC to $391,830.
CONTRACT WILL BE ATTACHED PRIOR TO FINAL AGENDA

No

1. Approve the First Amendment as recommended; 
2. Reject the First Amendment and direct staff to revise the terms or issue a new procurement process; or
3. Approve a shorter interim Mental Health Service Agreement while evaluating long-term options.

Public safety responders face repeated exposure to trauma, high-stress incidents, and long-term emotional strain. While the City of Flagstaff previously relied on its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to meet these needs, it became clear that the EAP alone was insufficient. Access to mental health professionals often involved a 6–8 week wait, and only six counseling sessions were authorized per incident, which was far too limited to support the complex and ongoing needs of first responders.

The City Council acknowledged this critical need by approving funds for a new mental and behavioral health program in the FY2025-2026 budget. With City Council on a scheduled break, staff initiated a short-term, agreement to provide immediate mental and behavioral health services for police and firefighters. This action ensured there was no lapse in support for our first responders while a full-term contract could be finalized and brought before the City Council.

This First Amendment now serves to transition from that short-term arrangement to the full-term contract, formalizing the continuation of services that were authorized by the approved budget. This comprehensive mental health package offers Flagstaff’s Fire and Police Departments annual assessments, on-demand counseling, training sessions based on industry trends, and post-incident debriefings. These services ensure timely, confidential access to culturally competent care from clinicians experienced in supporting those who serve on the front lines. The package reflects a deep commitment to the overall health, performance, and retention of our public safety personnel, and marks a significant advancement in the City’s efforts to support the whole responder—both on and off duty.

Goal PF.3: Provide high-quality emergency response and public safety services.
 

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