Since July 2012, Central Florida Cares Health System, Inc. (CFCHS) has managed substance use and mental health services (also known as behavioral health services) for Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, and is supported by Florida’s Department of Children and Families. Central Florida Cares fund a services network comprised of many organizations offering various levels of treatment options. These options include prevention, interventions, crisis support, residential treatment, and outpatient services for adults, children, as well as families, to include opioid and medication-assisted treatment. It is important to note Central Florida Cares is not a hospital and we do not provide direct service to patients/clients/customers, but help to make it possible for our network organizations to provide direct services. Keeping in line with our vision to achieve a comprehensive and seamless behavioral health care system and understanding the system is complex, CFCHS focuses on the Recovery Orientated System of Care (ROSC) philosophy that focuses on strength-based approaches that promote hope.
CFCHS is dedicated to serving persons in need of mental health and/or substance use services by providing the best possible information, options, and resources available in our community. Furthermore, it is our primary objective to ensure that all individuals are given their “first step towards success” by putting the person served “first” in all aspects of our operation.
Maria Bledsoe, Chief Executive Offıcer
Maria Bledsoe serves as CEO of Central Florida Cares Health System, where she oversees the management of mental health and substance abuse services in Orlando and the surrounding areas on behalf of the State of Florida.
Bledsoe is a veteran of the criminal justice and social services system, with more than 20 years in the fıeld. Her work experience includes organizational operations, contract management, business administration, project management, and strategic planning initiatives.
In her current position, Bledsoe regularly collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including the Florida Department of Children and Families, provider service networks, community organizations, and local individuals and families who are receiving behavioral health services. Her extensive service has given Bledsoe a deep understanding of local behavioral health needs and has made her a leader in responding to mental health and substance abuse crises that affect the community – a background that proved especially valuable when she was called on to coordinate mental health services in the Orlando area following the devastation of the Pulse nightclub shooting.