Tallahassee, FL – Today, Gracepoint CEO Joe Rutherford presented Rep. Jackie Toledo with its 2021 Mental Health Hero Award. Rep. Toledo was instrumental in securing state funding for a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in last year’s legislative session. CSUs play a critical role in providing short-term, psychiatric care for Tampa Bay individuals during times of urgent need.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Rep. Toledo. “I am proud to work in the Florida House to provide the resources we so desperately need in this region. I commend Gracepoint and all of the other essential mental health providers for the work they do every day.”
In addition, Gracepoint announced a new Mobile Crisis Team dedicated to children in schools. The new mobile unit will deploy resources directly to schools in times of crisis. Parents, teachers, law enforcement and healthcare professional will coordinate care for children that are in greatest need.
“Today, more than ever, we are facing challenges in delivering mental health care to our children. Thousands of children are quarantined in Hillsborough County due to exposure to COVID-19. Gracepoint has seen an increase in anxiety, depression, OCD and suicide attempts in adolescents and young people. This mobile unit will allow us to provide care in real time.” said Gracepoint CEO Joe Rutherford
The demand for mental health services has never been higher in Florida, as more people than ever are living with mental health trauma. Gracepoint averages 8,000 calls for help a month and has seen dramatic increases in the behavioral health needs of adults and children during the last year. They provide a safe environment and immediate care for patients, working through times of crisis and helping to find appropriate paths forward.
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Gracepoint, a nationally accredited nonprofit, is Tampa Bay’s leading provider of behavioral health solutions dedicated to inspiring and creating life-changing wellness for every individual. Through innovative inpatient, outpatient, residential and community based prevention and treatment services, Gracepoint serves the one in four local children and adults who experience emotional, psychological, psychiatric and addiction challenges. For more information call 813.272.2244 or visit www.Gracepointwellness.org