Natalie K. Kelly
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2022, 32.9% of U.S. adults experienced both a mental health condition and substance abuse. Additionally, the CDC reports that from 2011 to 2021, suicide rates among 10- to 24-year-olds increased by 60%.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to assess your own mental health and that of your loved ones. The first step someone takes to receive mental health support can be the step that saves their life.
Florida has a robust behavioral health safety net system comprised of seven governing bodies that not only oversee behavioral health care for the underinsured and uninsured, but also We support Floridians through programs and community partnerships.
Examples of these innovative programs across Florida range from faith-based partnerships to peer support for first responders to supporting children and families navigating the transition from intensive care units to community-based support systems. They range from care coordination to supportive housing to address homelessness and affordable housing. and housing that supports it. These are just a few examples of programs that management entities oversee.
Florida governing bodies are community-based organizations that coordinate behavioral health services based on the unique needs of Florida’s individual communities. To achieve transparency and accountability, governing bodies are overseen by regional committees and funded through the Ministry of Children and Families.
Community-based management models are a good fit for Florida because they respond quickly to community trends and streamline access to care. There is no denying the positive, life-changing impact it has had on the lives of Floridians. Through Care Coordination, 92% of individuals are kept out of costly crisis stabilization units, hospital emergency rooms, and prisons. Thanks to the mobile response team, 83% of people in crisis are prevented from enrolling in the Baker Act.
This Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to assess your mental health and, if needed, connect to available behavioral health community resources.
Call 2-1-1 to be connected to the best community resources. Anyone considering suicide should call 9-8-8. Make every month a mental health month.
Natalie K. Kelley is CEO of the Florida Association of Business Entities.
