The week of February 6, 2023 was filled with opportunities as the Florida Behavioral Health Association, Florida Mental Health Advocacy Coalition, and hundreds of advocates convened for Behavioral Health Day in Tallahassee.
Tampa Bay Thrives is thrilled to see the continued investment in this crucial issue in Governor Desantis’ proposed “The Framework for Freedom” budget which includes $531 million in funding to support an array of behavioral health services.
Funding will provide additional support for mental health treatment facilities, competency restoration services, and will enhance the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline services. Of the total $531 million, $78.9 million of General Revenue and federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds is recommended to sustain and expand the bed capacity at state-operated mental health treatment facilities. This will increase the number of patients that can be served, helping to reduce the waitlist for those that require these critical mental health care services. In addition, the budget provides $5.4 million in enhanced funding to support pediatric behavioral health services.
Behavioral health continues to be an important bipartisan issue, and Tampa Bay Thrives is grateful for the leadership and support of our legislators.
