The Apalachee Center is honoring four local elected officials for their roles in expanding mental health services in the Big Bend.
Over the past decade, Apalachee’s services have expanded in programs for new patient, residential, outpatient and specialty behavioral health care. The center’s leadership says support from local law enforcement and legislators plays a major role.
James Harold Thompson is a former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and vice chair of Apalachee’s board. He says it’s necessary to support law enforcement in delivering mental health care.
“And the reason for that is that they are on the front lines so often with people that really are not criminals,” he said. “They are people who need to be our patients.”
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey is also a longtime member of the Apalachee board. He points to the availability of free behavioral health services thanks to a city partnership with Apalachee.
“As of right now, you can walk into the Bond Community Center, you can walk into the neighborhood center in Frenchtown -- any citizen, regardless of insurance -- and get up to 3 free 30-minute sessions with a mental health professional,” said Dailey. “This is another partnership that the city has entered into with the Apalachee Center.”
Apalachee’s “Community Hero” awards went to state Senator Corey Simon, state Representatives Jason Shoaf and Allison Tant, and Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil on Monday.
Thompson recognized Simon, Shoaf and Tant for their efforts to secure state money for behavioral health care.
“We come to you and we say, ‘We’re trying to give law enforcement some relief. So if you help us provide beds, provide intake services for those in need who are actually patients and not criminals, you’ve not only helped those people but you’ve helped law enforcement,’" said Thompson. "And Sheriff McNeil, we thank you for all you’ve done cooperating with us -- through the years.”
