TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie K. Kelly issued the following statement on the Florida Legislature’s Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget, which includes more than $100 million in recurring funds for behavioral health services.
“The Florida Legislature has truly shown up for Floridians and prioritized the behavioral health services that many rely on to lead productive and healthy lives. The more than $100 million in recurring funding for behavioral health services will help expand services, increase care coordination and enhance the overall system in Florida for residents of all ages.
“Florida’s Managing Entities are grateful to the Legislature for recognizing the tremendous need for behavioral health services in our state and for shaping policy that will change Floridians’ lives for the better.”
Florida’s seven local Managing Entities work with a network of over 300 behavioral health care providers who deliver services to over 300,000 of Florida’s most vulnerable residents, including children, expectant mothers, veterans, and the chronically homeless.
Providers meet patients’ diverse needs with “wraparound services” that not only address mental health issues and substance abuse, but also assist with housing, transportation, and employment. Community boards administer, manage, and ensure accountability of state and federal funds for behavioral health services, keeping oversight and accountability closest to the people they serve.
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About the Florida Association of Managing Entities
The Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME) is the statewide organization representing Florida’s seven Managing Entities. FAME’s mission is to advance the behavioral health recovery of individuals and their families in the state of Florida. For more information, visit FLManagingEntities.com.