Florida Parishes Human Services Authority
Minutes of the FPHSA Governing Board Meeting
FPHSA Bogalusa Behavioral Health Clinic
400 Georgia Avenue, Suite 1, Bogalusa, LA 70427
July 24, 2026
Dr. Genesa Garafolo Metcalf, Chair, called the meeting of the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority (FPHSA) Governing Board to order at 9:42 a.m.
Rebecca Soley conducted a roll call. A quorum was established.
Attendees
Governing Board: Deborah Kropog; Timothy Lentz; Genesa Garofalo Metcalf, M.D.; JoBeth Valentino; and Noble-Bates Young
Absent: David Duplantier; Byron Hurst; Melissa Jones; and Meagan Possoit
FPHSA Staff/ Guest: Richard Kramer, FPHSA Executive Director and Rebecca Soley, FPHSA Board Secretary
Prayer was offered by Mr. Lentz.
Agenda/Consent Agenda
Dr. Metcalf extended an offer for additional agenda items or revisions to the agenda.
Mr. Lentz made a motion adopting the agenda as presented; seconded by Ms. Young.
Excused Absences
Ms. Young made a motion excusing the absence of Mr. Duplantier, Dr. Hurst, Ms. Jones, and Ms. Possoit; seconded by Mr. Lentz.
The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Young made a motion to revise the minutes of the June 26, 2026 minutes under “Executive Session: Executive Director Salary”; seconded by Ms. Kropog.
The motion passed unanimously.
Public Input
Dr. Metcalf welcomed all in attendance and extended an opportunity for public input.
Executive Director Report
Mr. Kramer presented the July 2026 Executive Director’s Report. The Executive Director reported that FPHSA continues to make progress on several strategic priorities while maintaining a stable financial position. Construction of the new administrative building is nearing completion, with staff relocation anticipated in September. Positive discussions with the Louisiana Department of Health have increased the likelihood of a Developmental Disabilities services expansion. FPHSA also received the final agreement for the proposed St. Tammany Parish Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic, which is currently under legal review, and plans to pursue additional SAMHSA funding to expand services and acquire another mobile treatment unit. Fiscal Year 2026 is expected to close with a positive net position, and the agency has executed a new three-year SAMHSA Substance Use Block Grant agreement. The Executive Director further reported plans to implement the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) across behavioral health clinics this fall and provided an update on a compensation study designed to address pay compression within Administrative Services positions. Workforce and service delivery reports were also presented, including staffing, Developmental Disabilities, and Behavioral Health program updates.
Mr. Lentz made a motion to accept the Executive Director’s report as presented; seconded by Ms. Young.
The motion passed unanimously.
Board Business
Annual Policy review
Mr. Kramer presented Policy 017 Executive Limits- Communication with and Support to the Board for the board’s annual review.
Ms. Young made a motion adopting the policy as written; seconded by Ms. Valentino.
The motion passed unanimously.
Confirmation of the Next Meeting
It was confirmed that the next meeting of the FPHSA Governing Board will be August 28, 2026, at FPHSA Headquarters at 9:30 a.m.
Adjournment
Mr. Lentz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:21 a.m.; seconded by Ms. Young.
The motion passed unanimously.
Cost of notice: $76.13