Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Melissa RossNovember 11, 2015

As headlines across the state continue to pile up, documenting the horror show that is Florida’s mental health system of care, state Reps. Janet Adkins and Charles McBurney listened somberly to a litany of problems – and proposed solutions – at a public forum Monday at Jacksonville City Hall looking at the issue. The Community […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 21, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday said he’ll ask lawmakers to put $19 million into next year’s state budget to treat mental illness and substance abuse. That amount includes “$12.8 million for Community Behavioral Health Services, $3.7 million to add more Community Action Treatment (CAT) teams and $2.8 million to expand Family Intensive Treatment (FIT) teams,” the Governor’s […]

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 […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 21, 2015

Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, Robin Williams and Michelangelo are a few examples of brilliantly inspiring individuals who shaped our culture, artistry and society. Looking at this list of names, it is hard to see a connection between these unique individuals. The sad truth is that each one suffered from mental illness, a debilitating disease that […]

Tag: mental illness

Pleas for reform heard at Jax mental health roundtable

Rick Scott says he’ll budget $19M for mental illness

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

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

Alaina Bernard: Failure to deal with mental illness debilitates 60 million