Behavioral-health services are vital in time of COVID-19

As the Orlando Sentinel recently reported in “COVID-19’s latest toll in Central Florida: Rising drug overdoses, mental health issues” (Sept. 20), Central Florida is facing a surge in opioid overdoses and mental-health challenges amid the seemingly endless pandemic.

Opioid overdoses are up 65% over the past year in Seminole County and 46% in Orange County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a survey in August showing that more than 40% of adults reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition.

There can be no doubt that behavioral-health services are essential, a fact I know well from my position as CEO of one of Florida’s seven managing entities that oversee a behavioral-health network of more than 300 providers throughout Florida.

In addition to the fear of contracting COVID-19 and concern for everyone’s physical well-being, the crisis has led to mental-health concerns, including isolation, financial uncertainty, depression, and anxiety. Behavioral-health providers have done a remarkable job of nimbly meeting the growing demand for their services while maintaining social distancing and other safety guidelines.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the behavioral-health system immediately shifted to telehealth services, ensuring continuity of care for our most vulnerable community members.

The Florida Association of Managing Entities recently released data showing that nearly one-third of people using Florida’s behavioral health system are using telehealth services amid the ongoing pandemic.

This week, first lady Casey DeSantis announced $2 million to expand telehealth services to students in 18 of Florida’s rural counties. Many of these students are struggling with isolation and missing key social-emotional developmental opportunities that would otherwise be gained in school. The managing entities are grateful for the first lady’s continued leadership in advocating for behavioral health services.

Since 2008, those who oversee the state’s behavioral-health provider network have provided substance abuse and mental health services. The service network is comprised of organizations offering various levels of treatment, ranging from crisis support to residential treatment to outpatient services for adults, children and their families.

As Florida’s lawmakers face a projected $2.7 billion shortfall next year due to lost revenue caused by the pandemic, it is crucial that funding for behavioral health services remains intact and that the managing entities continue to provide not only exemplary oversight of the system, but also the accountability and transparency the taxpayers deserve.

Behavioral services are essential services and should be treated accordingly.