Your Generosity in Action
2022 IMPACT REPORT
Kids’ Minds Matter was founded in 2016 to address the need for pediatric mental health services in our region. Thanks to your generosity, advocacy and support, we made significant progress in the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
1
IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE
- Partnered with Family Health Centers to embed mental health providers in Lehigh Acres added a new behavioral health clinic at the Bonita Health Center.
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Lee Health Government Relations advocated for Telehealth by Diaz (SB312) which allows telehealth providers expanded authority for prescribing certain controlled substances that will allow for expanded treatments of
psychiatric disorders. -
Looking ahead: planned expansion in Cape Coral, the implementation of the Behavioral Response Team and becoming a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards
by July 2023.
2
BUILDING CAPACITY IN THE REGION
- Lee Health Government Relations advocated for Peer Specialists by Rouson (SB 282) which provides a pathway for certification, training, and practice for Peer Specialists in Florida. We appreciate the Legislature passing this bill at a time when the workforce will benefit greatly from more qualified professionals.
- Looking ahead: Lee Health Government Relations is working closely with the community to secure additional resources and policy gains to improve behavioral healthcare outcomes. Lee Health is also in preliminary discussions to develop a Post-Doctoral Fellowship program to assist in recruitment of pediatric psychologists and is managing ongoing recruitment of psychologists, licensed clinical social workers and licensed mental health counselors.
NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH
OUR CHILDREN ARE IN CRISIS
from 2020 to 2021.
This increased an additional 10% from 2021 to 2022.
Florida’s Baker Act law is a means of providing individuals with emergency services and temporary detention for up to 72 hours for mental health. Up until now, the policy was the same for adults as it was for children. Lee Health is working to change that.
3
Strengthening Community Engagement and Partnership
- Held a Mental Health Town Hall on May 16, 2022, with media that was livestreamed for the community to watch. Lee Health leaders discussed the challenges in our region, shared the progress that’s been made, plans for the future and how we need our community to join us in advancing change in our region.
- Prior to needing to postpone the Normal is Overrated event due to Hurricane Ian, the event was sold out and featured three local seniors sharing their mental health journeys as well as local providers for a panel discussion. The event was rescheduled for February 2023.
- Kids’ Minds Matter sponsored the annual Regional Mental Health Fair on May 19 which brought together more than 40 community agencies to network and discuss services to find ways to collaborate.
- Lee Health Government Relations advocated for Mental Health & Substance Abuse by Burgess (SB 1262) which improve notification and communication between parties, authorize patient releases through telehealth, and provide for well-defined post-discharge planning.
MEETING THE NEED
Since 2020, Southwest Florida has seen tremendous growth. But prior to the pandemic, we were seeing an increased need for mental health services in our region. Our children were in crisis, and before we could address the current need, new families began moving into our market. The need has grown.
Additional providers and resources have reduced the wait time for help, but pediatric behavioral health appointment wait times still exist.
6 MONTH WAIT for neuro-developmental conditions and autism spectrum
2 YEARS for a psychology appointment
6-8 WEEKS for psychiatry and 3 WEEKS for an urgent psychiatry appointment for youth
How Kids’ Minds Matter is Making an Impact
Since its inception, Kids’ Minds Matter has made significant advances to meet children’s mental and behavioral health care needs in our community. Thanks to many generous supporters and passionate advocates, we are making an impact on more children than ever before! Learn how this support has enhanced Kids’ Minds Matter’s reach, increased the number of providers and aided in the collaboration of partners in our community.
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