Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie K. Kelly today issued the following statement after the Florida House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 1447, sponsored by Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, which creates a 19-member Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commission.
“Florida’s Managing Entities applaud Representative Hunschofsky and the entire House of Representatives for their dedication to improving mental health and substance abuse services in Florida. Florida’s Managing Entities have been on the forefront of care coordination in Florida to treat individuals’ complex and diverse mental health and substance use issues, and their participation on this commission will help improve behavioral health services for all Floridians.”
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. Managing Entity 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.
