Friends News
The Forgotten Floor - CBS4 I-Team Investigation. Shocking Conditions Revealed At Miami-Dade's Jail
Depression Takes Financial Toll in Florida
Survey shows the state is affected more than the national average.
By Robin Williams Adams
The Ledger
By Robin Williams Adams
The Ledger
LAKELAND -- The financial impact of clinical depression in Florida is significantly higher than the national average, according to survey results released Tuesday by a mental-health advocacy group.
Self-reported credit card debt and negative consequences attributed to depression -- such as time missed from work -- contributed to about $19,400 in out-of-pocket costs for Florida residents with depression. That was about $8,300 more than for others with depression in the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness said.
"That's an impressive number," said Dr. Ken Duckworth, a psychiatrist who is NAMI's national medical director. "People in Florida are paying a lot."
Self-reported credit card debt and negative consequences attributed to depression -- such as time missed from work -- contributed to about $19,400 in out-of-pocket costs for Florida residents with depression. That was about $8,300 more than for others with depression in the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness said.
"That's an impressive number," said Dr. Ken Duckworth, a psychiatrist who is NAMI's national medical director. "People in Florida are paying a lot."
Women, Contributions Live On In Names
What's in a name? Often the answer is our history.I did not live in Lee County very long before I knew about two women who helped shape the Southwest Florida community — Barbara B. Mann, patron of the arts, and Dr. Ruth Cooper, who helped shape our system of mental health treatment through the 1970s and '80s as director of Lee Mental Health.
Women who are not in our history books often live on in our communities through the institutions — or streets — that are named for them. I once lived on Olive Barber Road, and as a result, I discovered that she had been a local historian of major importance. Veronica Shoemaker's place in history is as solid as the street signs that mark her avenue.
5000 Friends of Florida Families Successful Summit
On June 6, 2006, the 5000 Friends of Florida Families held a behavioral health summit in Manatee County in conjunction with Representatives Bill Galvano and Gayle Harrell at the LECOM facility.This first of several Summits, was attended by more than 70 people from the community including providers of behavioral health care, consumers, community elected officials, and concerned citizens.The Summit gave state representatives and local elected officials the opportunity to hear the needs of the Manatee County area as well as ideas for improving access to behavioral health care around the state.The event was a huge success and more Summits are in the works for August in other regions of the state.Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming Summits and make plans to attend!
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| Representatives Bill Galvano and Gayle Harrell listen to audience comments at the 5000 Friends Summit in Manatee County. | Representative Gayle Harrell,Robert George, D.O., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, LECOM Bradenton, and Representative Bill Galvano at the Summit. |
5000 Friends of Florida Families Announce Summit
The 5000 Friends of Florida Families in conjunction with Representative Bill Galvano announce the first summit to discuss behavioral health issues to take place in Manatee County on June 6, 2006. The meeting will be from 9-12 at the LECOM facility. All interested parties are invited to attend. The meeting will focus on the needs of the region in regard to behavioral health and many state and local leaders have been invited. Several other 5000 Friends Summits are planned for August in different regions of the state. Stay tuned for more information!Palatka Daily News - April 12, 2006
Shortchanged: Florida’s mentally ill suffer because of underfunding
By Shai Kuruvilla
PALATKA -- Florida has not met its responsibilities to the mentally ill, according to 5000 Friends of Florida Families, an outreach effort by the Florida Council for Community Mental Health.
Bembry and Lambert Accept Proclamation
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| Lakeview Center CEO Gary Bembry accompanied by Walter Lambert, VP of the local NAMI Chapter, accepting the Escambia County Commission’s Proclamation for 5,000 Friends of Florida Families. |
NAMI Grades the States
Grading the States 2006: Florida - Narrative
Florida is a big state with a big opportunity to advance its mental healthcare status. But access to services for Floridians living with mental illness has been an afterthought for too long. For the state to rightfully claim leadership in social services, it must demonstrate that leadership internally.
Wear Your Lapel Pin on Fridays
Don’t be casual about your support for 5,000 Friends. Wear your lapel pin on Fridays and show your commitment to Florida Families in Crisis.
Formation of 5000 Friends of Florida Families Announced
Today, the Florida Council for Community Mental Health (FCCMH) and the Florida Alcohol Drug and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) announces the formation of 5000 Friends of Florida Families, a grassroots coalition of people who support mental health and substance abuse services. Built on the idea that every Florida family deserves a place to turn when in a mental health or addiction crisis, 5000 Friends supports affordable mental health and addictions treatment.