For more information: Courtney Cox, PR Counsel NAMI Florida (850) 224-0174 or [email protected] For Immediate Release: Mental Health Community Applauds Florida Policymakers Tallahassee, FL (February 23, 2018) – Families, advocates, and community mental health providers applaud the Florida Senate, Florida House of Representatives, and Governor Rick Scott for their swift actions in proposing much needed resources for early mental health intervention and treatment for Florida’s youth. The Florida Council for Community Mental Health (FCCMH) and NAMI Florida pledge to work with the Legislature and the Governor to ensure that children at risk of or already exhibiting symptoms of a mental health condition can be identified and referred to appropriate community services. “This is a monumental day in the state of Florida when the executive and legislative branches of government come forth with proposals to more effectively address the mental health needs of students across the state,” said Alisa LaPolt, Executive Director of NAMI Florida. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, fifty percent of lifetime cases of mental illness start by age 14, and it takes an average of 8 to 10 years before the symptoms are recognized and treatment is sought. This underscores the importance of early screening and assessment. “On behalf of Florida’s community mental health providers, we are pleased that the Governor, Senate and House leadership responded with a sense of urgency and a commitment to direct resources that will ensure timely access to mental health services for school-aged children,” said Melanie Brown-Woofter, Interim President/CEO of the Florida Council for Community Mental Health. The proposals released today take a multifaceted approach to this complex issue for which there is no single response. The FCCMH and NAMI Florida look forward to working with policymakers to continue the dialogue around sustainable solutions long after the 2018 legislative session ends. We are committed to working collaboratively to improve access to timely and appropriate mental health services. ### About NAMI Florida: NAMI Florida is the state affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness with headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida. With twenty-seven affiliates in communities across Florida, NAMI provides education, advocacy, and support groups for people with mental illnesses and their loved ones. NAMI Florida works with state and federal agencies and elected officials to promote recovery and improved treatment for individuals who have a mental illness and their families. NAMI Florida also works collaboratively with other statewide organizations to achieve a better mental health system for all Florida’s citizens. To learn more about NAMI Florida, visit www.namiflorida.org.