Search
Close this search box.

Mental Health Summit in Niceville to focus on legislative updates, trauma services, and women’s safety

The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) will host a Mental Health Summit at Northwest Florida State College on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rep. Maney, a strong advocate for mental health reform, recently led the charge in the Florida House of Representatives to pass CS/CS/HB 7021 […]

Source: Rep. Patt Maney

The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) will host a Mental Health Summit at Northwest Florida State College on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

  • The event will take place in the Raider CafĂ©, located in Building 400 on the college’s Niceville Campus, and will feature a keynote speech by Florida House Representative Patt Maney, who has been instrumental in championing changes to the state’s mental health legislation.

Rep. Maney, a strong advocate for mental health reform, recently led the charge in the Florida House of Representatives to pass CS/CS/HB 7021 – Mental Health and Substance Abuse, a bill aimed at modernizing Florida’s Baker and Marchman Acts. The legislation, which received unanimous approval in the House, marks the first major improvement to the Baker Act in 53 years and the Marchman Act in 30 years.

  • “Persistence surely does pay off,” said Rep. Maney back in March. “After four years in office pursuing these improvements, I am delighted that my colleagues are just as determined as I to see this good legislation implemented.”

The proposed changes include modernizing standards for involuntary mental health treatment services, broadening the definition of licensed medical practitioners qualified to provide care, and refining the responsibilities of county courts. The bill aims to reduce recidivism, improve access to care, and increase the efficiency of mental health service delivery, supported by a $50 million appropriation.

During the Mental Health Summit, Rep. Maney will discuss these legislative updates to the Baker Act and their potential impact on Florida’s mental health system.

In addition to the keynote speech, attendees can participate in a mental health panel discussion on trauma-related therapeutic services and advocacy, as well as an interactive workshop on women’s personal security and situational awareness led by Empower Academy President Matthew Docchio, a retired Sergeant First Class from the United States Army Special Forces Green Berets.

Registration for the Mental Health Summit is available online and must be completed by June 10, 2024. Participants have the option to purchase a box lunch for $12 when registering online.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
Respond
“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
Respond
“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
Respond
“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
Respond
“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
Respond
“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
Respond
“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
Respond
“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
Respond
“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
Respond