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13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Tampa, Fl 33612-3807
Phone: (813) 974-5085 or (813) 974-2751
Fax: (813) 974-4699
Contact Us
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Background
The Florida Commission On Mental Health and Substance Abuse was created in 1999 by House Bill 2003 for the purpose of conducting a systematic review of the overall management of the state's mental health and substance abuse system. A final report to the Governor and State Legislature will contain recommendations for change improvement in areas including planning service strategies, funding, accountability, emergency health services, and the unique needs of older persons.
In accordance with statute, 18 Commissioners were appointed by Governor Bush; one by the Speaker of the House; one by the President of the Senate; and one each by the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, the Director of the Agency for Health Care Administration, and the Secretary of the Department of Health. The 23 Commissioners comprise statewide representatives from various categories including mental health and substance abuse providers, hospitals, employers, insurance carriers, family members, and consumers of public services.
Vision Statement
"All Floridians shall have access to a mental health and substance abuse system that works, with integrated treatment and prevention services that are affordable, client sensitive, high quality and outcomes focused, available within an unimpeded continuum of care."
Process
To facilitate opportunity for public education and testimony, the Commission meets monthly in different locales around the state. Each meeting has a theme and provides opportunity for open public testimony. Early meetings also included facilitated group discussion and themed speakers.
Meeting Topics To Date
Law enforcement / legal system
Children's mental health
The state of the science in mental health
Emergency behavioral health care
Substance abuse
Mental health / substance abuse needs of older adults
System architecture / organization and financing
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Potential Future Meeting Topics
Best practices from other states
Designig a better system for Florida
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Special Projects
Workgroups focused on Data and Resources and on children, adult, and older adult populations have been organized. These workgroups convene at times apart from and during full Commission Meetings.
Reports and Deliverables
March 1, 2000 Interim Report (Contact us for copies of listed Appendices.)
October 26, 2000
Draft Commission
Findings &
Recommendations
December 1, 2000 Final Report (with updates through May, 2001)
Monthly reporting to Department of Children and Families on staffing activities.
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