FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2020

Behavioral Health Services Safety Net System Praises Governor and First Lady for $5 Million Grant toward Opioid Crisis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s behavioral health safety net system, made up of seven Managing Entities that oversee more than 300 behavioral health care providers statewide, today applauded Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis for the $5 million grant they received from the U.S. Department of Labor to launch a pilot program to help combat the opioid crisis in Florida.

“Florida has made considerable progress in the fight against the opioid crisis, and we must continue to forge ahead during these isolating and stressful times, when some Floridians are turning to opioids. Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities said. “I applaud Governor and First Lady DeSantis for prioritizing behavioral health needs in our state. Community-based care and wrap-around services help individuals find hope and get back on their feet.”

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.

###

The Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME) represents Florida’s seven managing entities. Managing entities are local, not-for-profit businesses with community boards that administer, manage, and ensure accountability of state and federal funds for Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) services.