The Senate’s proposal to significantly reduce mental health and substance abuse programming is both ill-informed and counter-intuitive. Rather than save dollars it will create exponential costs.

According to the data one in five Americans suffer from some type of mental illness or psychiatric disability. A vast majority of them also have co-occurring substance abuse disorders and other chronic medical needs.

The prevalence of untreated mental illness and substance abuse for juveniles is on par with adults. Our seniors are particularly vulnerable, together with special populations, such as, veterans who are returning with PTSD, major depression and traumatic brain injuries. Many of these veterans are homeless and have highly complex social and rehabilitative needs.

Florida has historically been at the bottom of our nation’s funding of social services. We have paid the price in explosive correctional costs, suicide and enhanced victimization.

The Senate proposal must be reversed and policies aligned to provide the benefits of a healthcare system which is accessible, equitable, integrated and qualitative to authentically meet the needs of Florida’s citizenry.

Ginger Lerner-Wren, administrative judge, Broward County Mental Health Court, Fort Lauderdale