David Shern, CEO and President of Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association) announced at the February 2, 2008 Tampa Bay Region Mental Health Brainstorming Council II that Florida has been selected in a national program to create Mental Health Caucuses in state legislatures.

 

Rick Wagner, President of Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay and Chair of the Mental Mental Health America Public Policy Council of Florida said, "This is a great advance that recognizes the importance of Florida on the national mental health scene."

 

A Mental Health Caucus would bring together members of the Florida Legislature who support mental health and substance abuse reform for planning, strategy and brainstorming on what is possible and how to make it happen.