Now, it is easier to understand what mental health resources are required throughout Florida.
The Florida Department of Children and Families has created a unique dashboard that displays information about individuals who have been admitted for mental health services under the Baker Act. The dashboard displays information about over 87,000 individuals in Florida who have undergone mental health evaluations since July 1.
“We have a lot of information that we can use to improve the system of care and make a difference for individuals who come to us in crisis,” said Melanie Brown-Woofter, CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health Association.
The Baker Act is a law in the state that deals with mental health. It provides crisis services for people who have mental illness. If someone is considered a threat to themselves or others, they can be taken to a treatment center either by their own choice or by their family or the police.
“Being ‘Baker Acted’ is not necessarily a negative thing.” That is actually a positive thing. “We can connect you to those services and help you escape the crisis situation, placing you in a more stable situation,” Brown-Woofter explained.
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Brown-Woofter mentioned that having this dashboard is a significant improvement for assisting individuals in crisis. In the past, this data was collected and released only once a year.
“When you have data that is two or three years old and you are trying to make decisions, events have occurred in the meantime.” “Now that we have data that is updated in real-time, we are able to make decisions based on what is currently happening,” said Brown-Woofter.
The aim is to improve care by being more proactive and involving the community, especially for individuals who have been admitted to facilities multiple times.
“And be able to effectively connect with those individuals and assist them in avoiding that crisis situation,” Brown-Woofter said.
The Baker Act Dashboard is updated every week. Last year, providers began entering data into an electronic reporting system in order to get ready for the new dashboard.
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