To address mental health and substance use disorders, I was a part of the Collier County Ad Hoc committee that created the first-ever 5-year strategic plan to address these issues in our county.  The strategic plan includes the following six priorities:

1. Building a centralized receiving facility
2. Housing and supportive services
3. Increasing the effectiveness of the court system
4. Collaborative data reporting
5. Improving non-emergency Baker Act and Marchman Act transportation
6. Prevention, education and advocacy.

I am now actively involved with the Collier Coalition for Healthy Minds nonprofit group committed to implementing this strategic plan.  I will continue to do whatever I can to help individuals and families who are struggling with these heartbreaking and life-threatening illnesses.