Please view the RFP at: http://www.bidsync.com/DPX?ac=view&auc=229869

This RFP seeks to reduce these disparities by bringing forward community-defined solutions and recommendations developed by workgroups comprised of community representatives. DMH will fund up to five contracts with entities representing targeted populations to develop Strategic Planning Workgroups. These Workgroups would identify population-focused, culturally competent recommendations for reducing disparities in mental health services, and seek to improve outcomes by identifying community-defined, strength-based solutions and strategies to eliminate barriers in the mental health systems. This RFP will seek to engage these communities to support the California Department of Mental Health (DMH) in implementing the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP) for the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) component of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

The original design for the Reducing Disparities Project was reviewed by stakeholders and other interested parties in a variety of meetings and venues. DMH received many suggestions and comments during the public comment period and has revised the project design accordingly. The major deliverables remain the same:

• Develop a Reducing Disparities Strategic Plan to guide the implementation of the statewide PEI project.
• Establish a Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) multi-ethnic/cultural collaborative to increase representation of stakeholders from racial, ethnic, and cultural communities and to serve as a statewide advisory body to the Department of Mental Health.

It is anticipated that three RFPs will now be issued: one RFP will be awarded to fund a MHSA Multicultural Collaborative; another RFP will be awarded for up to five contracts to develop racial/ethnic/cultural recommendations for the statewide PEI project; and a third RFP will be awarded to a single contractor to coordinate, facilitate, compile and draft the input and recommendations from the MHSA Multicultural Collaborative and the five targeted groups into one comprehensive strategic plan.

The document below illustrates the current three-RFP project design.

Modified Reducing Disparities Projects Design – - 12/23/08

Building Partnerships: The Department of Mental Health supported a statewide community engagement project conducted by the UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities (CRHD). Under the leadership of Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, CRHD developed relationships with historically un-served and under-served communities, community-based agencies, and a group of dedicated advocates. CRHD reached out, engaged, and collected input via 30 focus groups with different population groups and other means. The findings from this community engagement effort provide valuable insightful and guidance to all who involved in developing and implementing programs funded through the Mental Health Services Act. For your information, we are pleased to provide the Building Partnerships publications, which include many community voices not been previously heard:

• Engaging the Under-served: Personal Accounts of Communities on Mental Health Needs for Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies
• Building Partnerships: Key Considerations when Engaging Under-served Communities Under the MHSA
• Building Partnerships: Conversations with Communities About Mental Health Needs and Community Strengths
• Building Partnerships: Conversations with African Americans About Mental Health Needs and Community Strengths
• Building Partnerships: Conversations with the Hmong About Mental Health Needs and Community Strengths
• Building Partnerships: Conversations with Latina/o and Asian-American Parent Advocates About Mental Health Needs and Community Strengths
• Building Partnerships: Conversations with Latina/o Migrants Workers About Mental Health Needs and Community Strengths
• Building Partnerships: Conversations with Native Americans About Mental Health Needs and Community Strengths
• Building Partnerships: Conversations with LGBTQ Youth About Mental Health Needs and Community Strengths

For more information or to offer your feedback on the Building Partnerships project and publications, please contact Marbella Sala at the UCD Center for Reducing Health Disparities. Ms. Sala can be reached at marbella.sala@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.