Author Archives: Paul Bebee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Florida’s seven Managing Entities, which oversee the state’s behavioral health safety net system, support veterans with mental health and/or substance use issues. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2020, the suicide rate for veterans was 57.3% higher than that of non-veteran adults. Also in 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death among veterans under 45.

“Florida is home to the third largest veteran population in the nation, and under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has prioritized connecting veterans with the behavioral health services they need to lead healthy lives,” said Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie K. Kelly.

Florida’s behavioral health safety net system connects Floridians with behavioral health providers–regardless of whether one is insured.

This safety net system consists of Florida’s seven behavioral health Managing Entities that work with a network of over 300 behavioral health care providers, delivering services to more than 300,000 of Florida’s most vulnerable residents, including: children, expectant mothers, veterans, and the chronically homeless. 

Behavioral health providers within the network provide essential services, such as: as crisis stabilization, care coordination, housing, transportation, and employment. Care coordination is critical and ensures that people receive various services to meet their unique needs. 

More information is available here.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The rate of suicide in the U.S. reached the highest on record in 2022 with 46,369 lives lost to suicide. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME) reminds Floridians that behavioral health services are available. 

According to the CDC, from 2011 to 2022, the number of suicides has increased by 16%. Federal data also shows an alarming increase in suicide rates among youth and young adults. From 2011 to 2021, the suicide rate among people ages 10-24 increased by 60%.

“It’s clear that the nation is in a mental health crisis. While there are a multitude of factors that are contributing to increased suicide rates, such as drug use, social isolation, social media, untreated mental health issues, and more, one thing is clear – we must continue to prioritize connecting life-saving behavioral health services with those who need it,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of FAME.

Florida’s seven Managing Entities oversee Florida’s behavioral health safety net system of more than 300 providers. The Managing Entities meet the unique needs of Florida’s communities. There are various programs that help stabilize individuals who need it and connect them with lifesaving behavioral health services, engaging partners such as the faith-based and veteran communities.

Some of these programs include: Mobile Response Teams of highly trained counselors that de-escalate situations; high level of care coordination for individuals; hospital bridge programs that coordinate services after an individual is stabilized in the emergency department; and school mental health services among other behavioral health services.

Florida’s Managing Entities collaborate with providers that deliver services to over 300,000 of Florida’s most vulnerable residents, including children, expectant mothers, veterans, and the chronically homeless. Additionally, the system provides nearly 1.7 million Floridians with preventative services and reaches hundreds of thousands more through indirect preventative services, such as education initiatives.

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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. 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie K. Kelly issued the following statement regarding Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s announcement of a $680 million settlement with Walgreens for its role in the opioid crisis. 

“On behalf of Florida’s seven Managing Entities, I applaud Attorney General Moody for her steadfast fight in the battle against prescription drug abuse and the $680 million settlement her office reached with Walgreens,” said FAME CEO Natalie Kelly. “Florida is suffering from a drug overdose death rate 23 percent higher than the national average, and we must do everything we can to address this crisis.

“I look forward to these funds being made available in an accountable and streamlined manner over the next two decades by the state to combat the opioid epidemic.” 

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.