WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida is taking significant steps to address its mental health crisis with a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The legislation, House Bill 1620, builds on previous efforts by expanding resources and improving long-term care for patients.
The law, shaped by recommendations from the state’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Commission, aims to enhance discharge plans for patients to ensure better follow-up care. It also focuses on increasing mental health resources in schools, particularly in underserved communities.
A notable aspect of the law is its attention to senior citizens, a group often overlooked in mental health discussions. Dr. Julie Serovich, Dean of the College of Behavioral & Community Sciences at the University of South Florida, highlighted the importance of recognizing depression in seniors, who may appear simply lonely.
“They present what looks like, oh they are just lonely, but they are probably depressed,” she said. “They function so long in society, that the idea is that they must be fine because they have lasted this long and not been in the system, but that’s not necessarily true.”
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Dr. Serovich emphasized the need for regular check-ins with seniors, especially those receiving prescriptions by mail, to prevent medication abuse. She also noted the law’s investment in the mental health workforce, addressing the current shortage of workers in the field.
By early next year, the University of South Florida is expected to provide state lawmakers with comprehensive data on the mental health crisis, offering a clearer picture of the challenges and progress in Florida.
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