Important note: The following was approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 16, 2015 (this is a shortened version of a larger report, attached below):

Institute on Aging -- Friendship Line

The Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line (“Friendship Line”) provides services to older adults and adults with disabilities in San Mateo County. Referrals will come directly from County residents, as well as clients served or referred by County programs including child welfare, safety net services, BHRS programs, aging and adult services, probation and reentry programs, self-sufficiency programs and housing assistance programs.

The Friendship Line is the only 24-hour hotline in the U.S. offering suicide intervention and prevention for seniors and disabled adults, addressing an area of high need by tailoring crisis prevention to the unique and specific needs of this population. Friendship Line provides crisis support services, including active suicide intervention as well as offering a unique call-out service. In 2014 there were 1,679 incoming calls received and 2,819 outgoing calls placed to callers in San Mateo County. The needs of older and disabled adults are growing. The Institute on Aging anticipates that with outreach efforts, call volume from within San Mateo County would increase significantly and that the Friendship Line would serve as an important resource for clients, families, and provides in the community. The agreement specifies the percentage and number of outgoing calls will increase 24% or 676 additional calls in each year of the agreement.

A waiver of the RFP process is requested because staff has determined that the selected provider is the sole source for the unique services provided pursuant to this agreement. The term of the Agreement is July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017 in an amount not to exceed $400,000.

Important note: This is a copy of the official report -- item 12 on the Board's agenda.