Chad Barrett

This document outlines the strategic plan for the Mental Health Council of the Big Bend, focused on assessing and addressing the mental health needs of the community. The plan employs a four-pronged strategy: Evaluate, Engage, Expand, and Educate, with an additional focus on elements of addiction. Its objective is to foster an evidence-based approach to identify needs and solutions for mental health and substance abuse, while coordinating stakeholders and leveraging resources to improve behavioral health services in Florida's Big Bend Region.

The meeting included an update from the Commission Chair regarding several legislative bills containing Commission recommendations, specifically Senate Bill 168 (The Tristan Murphy Act) concerning the creation of the Behavioral Health Data Repository, Senate Bill 1620, and House Bill 1439. Information was presented on the integrated continuum of behavioral health services for children and adolescents, covering topics such as community treatment teams and crisis stabilization units offered by Citrus Mental Health. Additionally, a presentation detailed the effectiveness of community-based Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams in supporting older adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, including recommendations for strengthening the statewide response.

The Funding Sub-Committee meeting included a Commission update noting future full commission meetings and discussions about forming a continuing work group. The FACT Team Update covered funding mechanisms and gaps, with commitments for follow-up data on unutilized funding and the total number of individuals served. A review was conducted regarding short-term residential treatment services and supportive housing assistance programs. Furthermore, the subcommittee discussed the federal impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Florida's Medicaid behavioral health programs, specifically directed payment programs. The group also reviewed legislative language in Senate Bill 1620 concerning a required report analyzing substance abuse and mental health services provided through publicly funded programs. The session concluded with public comment and closing remarks.

The meeting included a Commission update detailing the timeline for the final report, with in-person meetings scheduled for November, January, and April 2026. A new consultant, Dr. Paul Stiles, specializing in legal and ethical aspects of integrated data initiatives, was introduced. Significant discussion focused on Northwest Regional Data Center (NWRDC) updates, including the status of the Project Manager search, confirmation that legislative funding officially begins October 1, 2025, and ongoing work regarding the Data Use Agreement and governance. An interim report, requiring an updated budget and project plan, is due December 1, 2025. The subcommittee thoroughly reviewed the proposed governance structure, which involves establishing a formal governance board, defining data ownership/stewardship, establishing a data sharing framework, and addressing privacy concerns, with the goal of creating a statewide comprehensive source of behavioral health data. A draft mission statement for the Data Repository will be produced by Commissioner Diaz de Arce.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming quorum. Key discussions centered on the review and refinement of draft recommendations from Subject Matter Experts. These recommendations focused on developing actionable steps and addressing data needs for specific populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities, seniors with mental health needs, central receiving facilities, short-term residential treatment, and Community Action Teams. The Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is slated to be invited to join the subcommittee. A suggestion was made for a presentation on Community Paramedicine at the next meeting, and there was a recommendation to include emergency room staff in future educational trainings. Draft recommendations regarding eligibility requirements for IDD and mental health waivers, provider payments, training, education, and 988 viability were also presented. Public comments stressed the importance of education and training for behavioral health professionals and noted resources available through the C.A.L.I. Project.