In a Crisis, Every Florida Family Deserves a Place to Turn

Every day, mental illnesses and addictions affect thousands of families across Florida. All of these families deserve a place to turn in a crisis. However, affordable treatment of mental illnesses and addictions is not within every family's reach.

Sadly, Florida has not met its responsibility to Florida's families. Our state ranks 47th in funding for mental health care and 35th in funding for addiction services. Florida's families deserve better.

Community-based mental health and addiction services are a critical part of our statewide health care system. In the aftermath of the storms that hit Florida and the Gulf Coast, we know that mental health services are vital to helping families in their recovery. Now is the time to better fund mental health and addiction services-not after an emergency has occurred.

To help in the effort, you may want to consider becoming one of the 5,000 Friends of Florida Families. In addition, you may want to consider inviting your family and friends to participate. To join in the work to bring mental health and addictions services within the reach of more Floridians, please visit www.5000Friends.org

They will confirm your membership by sending you a 5000 Friends lapel pin. Wear your pin to let local and state leaders know you support adequate funding of mental health and addictions treatment . Because, in a crisis, every Florida family deserves a place to turn.