TALLAHASSEE, FL, April 9, 2021 – The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) today urged lawmakers to restore proposed state budget reductions of more than $60 million to community mental health and substance use providers who are already grappling with a surge in mental health trauma, opioid usage and suicides faced by Floridians struggling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Florida has seen a significant increase in people of all ages and backgrounds who are suffering from mental health and substance use disorders,” said Melanie Brown-Woofter, President and CEO of FBHA. “The life-saving services our members provide are crucial to keeping Florida’s most vulnerable people safe.”