Jennifer Johnson Joins Florida Behavioral Health Association as New Senior Director of Public Policy

Tallahassee, FL—As Hurricane Ian travels out of the state, millions of Floridians are struggling with no power, no water, no food and possibly with no homes or neighborhoods to return to.  According to the Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA), scores of Floridians will also be struggling with emotional effects of having to deal with such an overwhelming and catastrophic incident.

Tallahassee, Fla. Data recently released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) paints a troubling picture about drug -related deaths in Florida. FDLE’s Medical Examiners Report shows disturbing data that total drug-related deaths increased by 17 percent in 2020 – that is 2,134 more deaths over the same time period in 2019. Even more concerning, is that 7,842 opioid-related deaths were reported, a 28 percent increase, and 6,089 opioid-caused deaths were reported, which is a 42 percent increase.

Tallahassee, Fla. – September is Suicide Prevention Month, which brings the opportunity to spotlight resources and services available for all Floridians, especially those who are silently struggling, and for families dealing with the loss of a loved one.

“The Florida Behavioral Health Association applauds both Senate and House leadership for supporting the COVID-19 liability protection bill and including mental health and substance abuse treatment providers among those covered,” said FBHA President and CEO Melanie Brown-Woofter.

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) extends its gratitude and
congratulations to Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Chair Colleen Burton, the Florida
Senate and the Florida House of Representatives for investing in Florida’s health care workforce
by passing Senate Bill (SB) 7016.

Orlando, Fla. – Simply Healthcare Plans (Simply) presented the Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) a grant for $150,000 for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in Orlando on Thursday, August 18.

The CCBHC model is an innovative, integrated healthcare model developed to ensure access to coordinated comprehensive behavioral health care. CCBHCs serve anyone who needs care for mental health or substance use disorders, regardless of their ability to pay, where they live, or their age.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Almost 200 leaders, clinicians, and families from across the state
gathered Wednesday at the Florida Capitol for the annual Behavioral Health Day. Advocates
met with legislators and state agencies to bring awareness to mental health and substance use
disorder services in Florida.

Tallahassee, Fla./Washington, D.C. – The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) President and CEO, Melanie Brown-Woofter, has been awarded the Award for Individual Achievement in Advocacy from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council) during Hill Day at Home, the organization’s annual advocacy event that promotes bipartisan solutions for mental health and substance providers and patients.

The Florida Behavioral Health Association’s (FBHA) annual Awards of Excellence honor the best in its behavioral health workforce with a series of prestigious achievement awards.

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) and its 67 community behavioral health providers are urging the Florida Legislature to preserve and protect critical funding for mental health and substance use prevention programs and services as they head into the 2021 legislative session that convenes in March.

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) is proud to announce that Jennifer Johnson is joining the team as the new senior director of public policy starting Monday. 

Tallahassee, Fla.—Today is World Suicide Prevention Day – a time to remember those impacted by suicide, and to raise awareness of resources and services available for all Floridians, especially those who may need support.

Tallahassee, Fla. – This week, the Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, an opportunity to highlight a proven and industry-driven training model that the organization and its community providers have worked to deploy in Florida to help bolster the mental health and substance use disorder treatment workforce.

Tallahassee, Fla. –The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) applauds House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Bryan Avila and House Leadership for funding mental health and substance use disorder services in the Florida House Budget that was released earlier today.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– UnitedHealthcare and Optum, the businesses of UnitedHealth Group, have awarded a $50,000 grant to the Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) to support FBHA’s members with post-Hurricane Ian recovery. FBHA is Florida’s largest trade association representing community treatment providers.

The grant will be used to help FBHA members in Southwest Florida rebuild and recover from the impact of Hurricane Ian while they also continuing to serve clients in the region. Six FBHA members employing over 500 staff were directly impacted in cities across Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties.