Depression Takes Financial Toll in Florida
Posted by Admin on 03/13 at 12:09 AM
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.
Women, Contributions Live On In Names
Posted by Admin on 03/13 at 12:07 AM
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.
5000 Friends of Florida Families Successful Summit
Posted by Admin on 03/13 at 12:04 AM
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.
5000 Friends of Florida Families Announce Summit
Posted by Admin on 03/13 at 12:03 AM
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
Posted by Admin on 03/13 at 12:01 AM
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.
Florida ranks 47th in the United States in funding for mental health care and 35th in funding for addiction services.
Bembry and Lambert Accept Proclamation
Posted by Admin on 03/12 at 11:55 PM
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.
Wear Your Lapel Pin on Fridays
Posted by Admin on 03/12 at 11:52 PM
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.
NAMI Grades the States
Posted by Admin on 03/12 at 11:47 PM
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.
Today Florida is squarely in the spotlight as the nation watches efforts in Broward and Duval Counties to implement Governor Jeb Bush’s Medicaid Reform Plan. Incorporating the concepts of personal responsibility and promoting healthy lifestyles, the reform offers risk-adjusted premiums that service recipients can use to purchase desired health plans from the community marketplace.
Formation of 5000 Friends of Florida Families Announced
Posted by Admin on 03/09 at 09:32 PM
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.