Florida Funding Cuts Put Addiction Treatment Options at Risk

Florida mental health professionals share serious concerns about state budgetary cuts. Although a new round of federal grant funding is on its way, $20.4 million in block grants for mental health care have now expired. What is more, lawmakers have additional cuts on the table.

The loss of both federal and state funding appear to outweigh the benefit of new grant funding. It is an interesting and troubling turn after state lawmakers have publicly promoted funneling money into mental health and drug addiction programs. That has a direct effect on substance abuse treatment accessibility for the people who need it most.

Orange and Osceola Counties Face Major Budgetary Cuts for Poor and Uninsured Programs

Although funding cuts for mental health care have the ability to affect every Florida resident, the Orlando Sentinel says two counties are poised to take the hardest hit: Orange and Osceola.

Those counties are home to triage centers where police can take people with a mental health or drug addiction crisis, such as meth addiction, for immediate help. In many cases, the center helps low-income people and those without access to health insurance. The already strained triage center budget took a 40 percent cut in 2017. An additional 15 percent cut is on its way in 2018.

Health Professionals Say It Is Too Soon to Know the Full Impact

The full scope of the financial drain will not be known until later this year, says the Orlando Sentinel. So far, estimates on lob losses and access to care are grim. Aspire Health Partners CEO, Dick Jacobs, tells the Sentinel that they are cutting nearly 70 jobs and 3,500 residents will be without care. He also says that estimate is probably low.

Reaction from legislators is not encouraging. The Sentinel explains that Representative Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, said health care providers “should have known.” He also sets blame on the shoulders of the Florida Department of Children and Families, who he says recommended $4 million in cuts, although a March 28 document from Brodeur’s subcommittee recommends $10 million. The Sentinel says the “Legislature settled on $8 million.” Osceola County Commission and Florida Hospital have both pledged additional funding to help, but it is not enough to mitigate the losses.

Florida Drug Rehab Can Provide the Care that You Need

While funding for public mental health and drug addiction programs suffer, Florida drug rehab centers continue to provide care for people throughout the state. The opioid crisis is still growing and alcohol addiction is on par with the rest of the country. Medically assisted detox and holistic treatment can help.

People suffering from addictions to drugs and alcohol find vital care for the high-risk withdrawal stage of treatment through medically assisted detox. By transitioning into a treatment program, addicts have access to compassionate, knowledgeable care that treats the whole person with counseling, co-occurring disorder diagnosis and treatment, art therapies, nutrition, and more in a safe, comfortable residential care environment.

As state lawmakers, lobbyists, and health care providers continue to battle it out over funding for some of the most at-risk people in Florida, Florida drug rehab is a safe zone away from the busy and overburdened system.

As the addiction crisis continues, treatment centers help restore lives. If you are suffering from addiction, care is a phone call away. Contact us to learn more about your options with detox and a full range of treatment programs designed for you.