In response to Governor DeSantis signing Florida’s budget that included $3.5 million for the ROAD TO RECOVERY program among other important behavioral health programs, the Florida Association of Managing Entities, who oversee Florida’s behavioral health safety net system, issued the following statement:
The Florida Association of Managing Entities applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for recognizing the urgency of adequate funding for mental health and substance abuse services. Amid the widespread feelings of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic and social justice issues in the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, Florida residents’ rate of anxiety and other mental health disorders has increased dramatically. Mental health and substance abuse services are needed now more than ever. On behalf of Floridians suffering from the strain of the ongoing pandemic, we are grateful to Gov. DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Sen. Darryl Rouson, and other champions of behavioral health for ensuring that much-needed services remain available through sufficient funding.
