DeSantis Announces $23 Million Boost To State Mental Health Services

Tallahassee, FL - On the heels of a report that labeled Florida’s mental health system a "mess," Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announce $23 million in funding to help boost the state’s mental health services system. Reportedly derived from CARES act funds,  Governor DeSantis said this funding will help reinforce mental health support available in the state. The funds will also help the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to continue providing mental health and substance abuse treatment. According to the Governor’s office, out of the $23 million, $18 million will be provided to Community Based Services by expanding the capacity of the Florida Assertive Community Teams (FACT), Community Action Teams (CAT) and the Family Intensive Treatment Teams (FIT). “The effects of social isolation and separation from loved ones over the last several months have exacerbated the need for mental health services and support across our state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.“With this funding, we will expand community-based mental health programs and services and enhance the system of care for all Floridians in need.” In addition to boosting the state’s mental health services, DeSantis also announced the state is working alongside federal partners to help boost peer-to-peer counseling services for first responders through the state’s 2-1-1 support system. That money is supposedly coming from a portion of a previously announced $4.9 million grant. DeSantis’ announcement comes the same day a statewide grand jury released a report on Florida’s mental health system—as part of a larger study on school safety—saying “deficiencies in funding, leadership and services related to mental health care tend to turn up everywhere like bad pennies.” The report further stated: "We cannot overstate the importance of addressing these deficiencies. It is clear to us that inadequately addressed mental health issues have the peculiar potential to spiral out over time into criminal acts and violent behavior resulting in serious injury and loss of life."