The Florida Behavioral Health Association Applauds the Framework for Freedom Budget

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.—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. – 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, 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. – 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. – The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) applauds Representative Maney, Representative Traci Koster, Senator Erin Grall, the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate for their steadfast commitment to Florida’s mental health and substance use disorder community by unanimously passing House Bill (HB) 7021.

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.

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) is proud to announce that Jennifer Johnson is joining the team as the new senior director of public policy starting Monday.

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. 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.

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.

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

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. – The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) offers its deepest gratitude to the Florida Legislature for its powerful message of unprecedented commitment to the well-being of Floridians by increasing funding for community mental health and substance use disorder services in its FY 2022-2023 budget.