Mendocino County is considering privatizing more of its mental health services. At a Monday meeting the county discussed several options for privatizing mental health services by outsourcing. The details about what is being considered for privatization were delayed and not available by press time Wednesday morning.
The county has balanced its mental health branch budget for the first time in the current fiscal year, so it is unclear what savings are needed, but there will be follow up when the promised information is provided.
Three years ago, Mendocino County hired Black Talon to privatize its services for driving mental patients to out-of-county hospitals when people are found to be a danger to themselves or others, a legal status known as 5150. That move was made when the county ran out of drivers and the county entered into a six-figure contract now considered by the department, supervisors and Mental Health Board to have been a huge and costly mistake.
Mental Health Director Tom Pinizzotto renegotiated that contract so that the county pays per drive, not an annual fee. Pinizzotto has agreed to provide further details about current ideas being considered. The Advocate-News will report that information when provided.
