The Florida Behavioral Health Association Applauds the Florida Legislature for Prioritizing Mental Health and Substance Use Funding in State Budget

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.

St. Petersburg, Fla. – As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it is imperative to
recognize the relationship between housing stability and mental well-being. The Florida
Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) and its vast network of partners remain committed to
emphasizing the importance of comprehensive mental health services.
“Across the state and the nation, it is incredibly difficult for families to afford a safe, secure
home,” said Melanie Brown-Woofter, President and CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health
Association. “This year for Mental Health Awareness Month, FBHA is shining a light on the
importance of housing and its link to overall mental and physical well-being. Having a safe,
reliable place

“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. – 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.

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) honored six heroes with a series of prestigious achievement awards on August 18.

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.—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. 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.—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./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.

Miami, Fla. – On Tuesday, Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez’s office joined the Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) and some of its community behavioral health agencies at Citrus Health Network in Miami. Her office presented the association with a check for $500,000 to purchase and dispense Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Floridians participating in community-based substance use services.

Tallahassee, Fla—The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) hosted its annual conference, BHCon, virtually last week and set a new record for registered attendees, at over 2,000 people. This is the most the association has ever had register for its annual conference.

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) 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.

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for his steadfast commitment to ensuring mental health and substance use services are available for Florida’s families and communities. His Framework for Freedom Budget includes a substantial investment in funding for behavioral health services.