Introduction
The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) recently ended its partnership with Be Well OC, a nonprofit organization managing the Mental Health and Wellness Campus in Orange. This decision followed an audit that highlighted issues in billing and training processes.
Audit Findings
Conducted in July, the audit pointed out deficiencies in staff training, credential tracking, and quality management. Concerns were also raised about potential inaccuracies in billing for services (link).
Response from Be Well OC
According to Phillip Franks, CEO of Mind OC, the nonprofit was surprised by the decision, as many issues had been addressed. Be Well OC had taken over crisis support services from Exodus Recovery Inc., improving access to care significantly.
Impact on Services
The termination affects around 100 staff members at Be Well OC. Despite this, OCHCA plans to continue collaborating with Exodus Recovery Inc. and HealthRight 360 to maintain psychiatric crisis and substance-use disorder services.
Future Plans
Interestingly, OCHCA is still working with Be Well OC to open a second Mental Health and Wellness Campus at Great Park in Irvine, unaffected by the recent developments.
Community Concerns
The decision came shortly after Newport Beach City Council ended its contract with Be Well OC for a street health program, citing insufficient progress in moving homeless individuals into housing.
Conclusion
While the partnership at the Orange campus has ended, the ongoing collaboration for the Irvine campus suggests a complex relationship between OCHCA and Be Well OC. The community awaits to see how these changes will impact mental health services in the region.
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