Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Marc YachtAugust 26, 2015

Poverty’s narrow definition relates to income and consumption but a much broader meaning is necessary to understand America’s poor. Federal guidelines qualify individuals and families by addressing income, but don’t provide an accurate depiction of needy families and their living conditions. The better understanding of the poor must look beyond income and at the larger […]

Melissa RossAugust 18, 2015

In the wake of The Florida Times-Union’s powerful dive into dangerous gaps in the state’s mental health care system, advocates pushing for change say they’re readying their strategy to press legislators hard to enact reforms in 2016. “We’re coordinating a statewide advocacy effort, bringing together mental health professionals, advocates, families, and consumers, to really have […]

Melissa RossJuly 13, 2015

Mental health advocates have reacted with cautious optimism to news that Gov. Rick Scott has ordered an independent analysis of the state’s prison system and the development of two prisons to test new ways of handling and housing prisoners with mental health issues. “It’s long overdue,” said Denise Marzullo, president and CEO of Mental Health America of […]

Associated PressJuly 9, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott is ordering an independent analysis of the state’s prison system and the development of two prisons to test new ways of handling and housing prisoners with mental health issues, as well as the general population. Scott issued the order Thursday. He is also directing the Department of Corrections to work with the […]

Guest AuthorJune 1, 2015

No visit to the doctor’s office starts without a systematic review of indicators that signal the health of the patient. Once you make it past the waiting room door, the examination begins with height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse and oxygen level – just for starters. Similarly, six measures can be used to inform the […]

Guest AuthorMay 31, 2015

No visit to the doctor’s office starts without a systematic review of indicators that signal the health of the patient. Once you make it past the waiting room door, the examination begins with height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse and oxygen level – just for starters. Similarly, six measures can be used to inform the […]

Guest AuthorApril 7, 2015

Can it matter that a famous actress will play a drone pilot on stage in New York and play it as a troubled murderer with an updated effort to wash out the damn spot of blood on her famous hands? With permanent war declared the norm and entirely acceptable, only a generation removed from wisdom […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 15, 2015

The Senate has proposed a tandem of bills that, combined, would transform Florida’s mental health and substance abuse laws as well as increase the amount of federal Medicaid money used fund the programs. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human services will discuss two bills — released late Friday — at its March 16 […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

A Florida TaxWatch study finds the state’s network of nonprofit mental health providers is doing such a good job it deserves more money. Florida provides substance abuse and other services to the uninsured through seven regional Behavioral Health Managing Entities. The network enables services to be tailored to the community needs. TaxWatch found the model […]

Ryan RayFebruary 25, 2015

Democratic Rep. Lori Berman of Lantana recently filed a mental health crisis prevention bill in the Florida House designed to increase preventative mental health care, a social service offered on a very limited basis if at all by Florida’s lean state government. “While the Mental Health First Aid Act is only a small step towards improving our […]

Tag: mental health
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Dr. Marc J. Yacht: Our country’s shameful legacy of poverty

Florida mental health summit: “We will impact the 2016 Legislative Session”

Mental health advocates say Scott’s executive order on prisons “long overdue”

Gov. Rick Scott orders independent analysis of Florida prisons

Dale Brill: “But I feel fine, really.” Assessing the health of Florida’s health

Dale Brill: 'But I feel fine, really.' Assessing the health of Florida's health

David Swanson: Can Anne Hathaway's 'Grounded' ground war drones?

Senate bill seeks additional federal Medicaid dollars for mental health and substance abuse programs

Florida TaxWatch: Mental health providers do good job, deserve more money

Lori Berman files “Mental Health First Aid” bill