Emergency room visits involving suspected suicide attempts jumped by 51% for girls ages 12 to 17 compared to 2019 according to the CDC. Central Florida Cares Health System, Inc. is highlighting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September and encouraging Floridians facing mental health or substance use disorder challenges to get help by calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.centralfloridacares.org.

According to the National Foundation for Suicide Prevention, people have become increasingly comfortable talking about their mental health, particularly this past year. But the topic of suicide – when it comes up – is still scary for many people to think about. “If you need help, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-TALK or www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org,” said Maria Bledsoe, Chief Executive Officer of Central Florida Cares Health System, Inc. It is important for people to know that behavioral health care services are available to Floridians, including those without insurance or the means to pay.

According to the Addiction Center, nearly 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% receive some type of behavioral health care treatment. Additionally, about 1 in 5 Americans who have depression, or an anxiety disorder also have a coexisting substance use concern.

As rates of isolation, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder rise due to the pandemic, behavioral health care services have become even more vital to help individuals in crisis move into recovery. Behavioral health providers assist individuals with recovery through counseling, assessments, inpatient and outpatient care, and care coordination. Behavioral health care providers meet the patients’ diverse needs with wraparound services” that not only address mental health issues and substance use but also assist with housing, transportation, and employment.

CENTRAL FLORIDA CARES HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. is a not-for-profit organization that manages state and federal funded mental health and substance abuse treatment services in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. One of seven Managing Entity, which works with a network of over 30 behavioral health care providers that deliver services to uninsured Floridians, including children, expectant mothers, veterans, and the chronically homeless. We are a behavioral health administrative and management organization, and our primary focus is to promote a comprehensive, seamless system of recovery and resiliency to those in need of these services.