Ann M. Berner, the CEO of Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network who was appointed to the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse by House Speaker Chris Sprowls, issued the following statement after today’s first meeting of the Commission:
“I’m honored to represent Florida’s seven Managing Entities on the statewide Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Today’s inaugural meeting brought together many of the people who have a hand in addressing important issues related to mental illness and substance use disorder in their communities.
“We cannot work in silos and expect to have an efficient, cost-effective, and transparent delivery of behavioral health care services in Florida – which is why this Commission is so vital. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to share how Florida’s seven Managing Entities coordinate care for an individual’s unique and diverse needs, from mental health and substance use disorder services to transportation and employment. Our goal is to get Floridians back on their feet and living life to their fullest potential, and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to bring a sharp focus to ways to combat this persistent challenge.”
Florida’s seven Managing Entities oversee a network of about 300 health care provider organizations delivering behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, to more than 320,000 uninsured Floridians. Providers meet patients’ diverse needs with “wraparound services” that address mental health and substance use issues and assist with housing, transportation, and employment.
About the Florida Association of Managing Entities
The Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME) is the statewide organization representing Florida’s seven Managing Entities. FAME’s mission is to advance the behavioral health recovery of individuals and their families in the state of Florida.
