Committee approves $29 million amendment for peer‑to‑peer behavioral health services amid criticism of Mental Health SF rollout

The Budget & Finance Committee on Nov. 30 voted to forward to the full Board an amendment to a Department of Public Health contract with Richmond Area Multi‑Services (RAMS) to expand peer‑to‑peer behavioral health services and extend the contract through June 2026 with a new not‑to‑exceed amount of about $29 million.

Michelle Ruggles of DPH said the amendment implements the city’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) annual update and that the contract’s funding mix is roughly 74% state MHSA funds, 16% federal grant funds and 10% city general fund. Tracy Hilton, the city’s peer programs manager and a peer herself, described how peers provide practical support and mentoring—helping clients get to appointments, pick up medications and navigate services—and said the contract includes quality‑of‑life and client‑feedback measures.

Committee members pressed DPH on how outcomes are tracked citywide and whether there is centralized data to follow individuals across multiple programs. Several supervisors, led by Chair Supervisor Hillary Ronan and Supervisor Safae/Safai, said implementation of Mental Health SF has been too slow and that the city lacks a functioning coordinated system. “I don’t think the BLA can do anything about it…we do not have the power to fully implement this law,” Ronan said, urging mayoral prioritization and stronger executive follow‑through.

The Budget & Legislative Analyst recommended approval of the contract amendment after reviewing contract performance and financial condition and found no red flags in its assessment. Public commenters echoed frustration with oversight and urged the Board and staff to pursue more rigorous audits and coordinated planning.

The committee voted to forward the amended contract to the full Board with a positive recommendation and asked for further hearings and reporting on cross‑agency coordination and the Office of Coordinated Care’s progress.