The $294 million will be used for community-based mental health services and operations of state mental health treatment facilities.
Mr. DeSantis’ focus is on developing resources to address mental health issues such as reducing overdoses and suicides and helping break the cycle of hospitalization and homelessness.
“Our ultimate goal is to help Floridians live life to their fullest potential, and with this tremendous financial support from the Legislature and governor, we’re better able to help those who need it most,” Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities, told local news source Florida Daily. “We’re also grateful to First Lady DeSantis for her steadfast dedication to behavioral health in Florida.”
Other key focuses of Mr. DeSantis’ $109.9 billion budget are tax relief, infrastructure, education, public safety, environmental resources, the child welfare system and older adults.