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Behavioral Health

Strategic Issue:  
How can we ensure access to behavioral health services and improve behavioral health outcomes in Pinellas County?

Behavioral health includes substance abuse, mental health, and violence among children and families. This health priority area is being addressed by strengthening the integration between behavioral and primary health care services, advocating for changes in policy and practices, and promoting awareness related to domestic violence.

Goals, strategies, and objectives were developed by the Behavioral Health work team participants listed below and community stakeholders.

Our Goals
  • Goal BH 1.  Increase access to behavioral health services
  • Goal BH 2.  Reduce substance abuse among children and adults
  • Goal BH 3.  Reduce violence among children and families

Work Group Participants

DOH-Pinellas Lead: Melissa Van Bruggen
Chris Hammonds
Public Defender's Office

Tim Burns/Megan Decker
Pinellas County Justice and Consumer Services

Claude Dharamraj M.D.
DOH-Pinellas

Jackie Griffin
LiveFree!
Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

Wendy Loomas
DOH-Pinellas

Summer Lott
Directions for Living

Robert Neri/Elizabeth Roosevelt
WestCare Gulf Coast Florida

 Robin Saenger
Peace4Tarpon Trauma-Informed Care Initiative

Rachel Smith
Eckerd Community Alternatives

Jeff Standring
Central Florida Behavioral Health Network

Mike Stone
Juvenile Welfare Board

Mark Vargo
Operation PAR

Christine Warwick/Courtney Hendrickson
The Haven of RC