(NAPSI)—When it comes to mental health, many people across the U.S. have experienced their share of challenges–but help may be at hand.
The Problem
The issue is especially concerning in rural America, where more than 60% of people report having a mental health condition—such as anxiety or depression—yet less than half of them get the help or treatment they need. Rural Americans face unique mental health stressors and barriers to accessing care, but those living in rural communities also boast unique support mechanisms that they can tap into to flip the script on mental health stigma.
An Answer
An example of those unique support mechanisms can be found in rural Georgia, where community leader Adaris Rivera has found hope in the resilience that living in a rural community presents. “Each person’s journey with mental health is deeply personal and unique, yet there’s a universal truth that support and hope are within reach for everyone. No one should feel isolated in their struggles,” she said. This is what inspired her to share her own story as part of a national public service advertisement (PSA) campaign called “Love, Your Mind” from Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council. Continue reading
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis touted Florida’s success in maintaining order and ensuring student safety on Florida’s campuses. In Florida, pro-Hamas encampments were disbanded in minutes, and Jewish students were kept safe from harassment.
“In Florida, we prioritize order and student safety on campus,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While other states allowed their college campuses to be vandalized and taken over by antisemitic agitators, Florida held the line.”
“The Florida Highway Patrol is proud to protect citizens from the intentional and unlawful criminal actions and antisemitic behavior that threaten the safety of our college campuses and communities,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dave Kerner. “Through the direction and support of Governor DeSantis, Floridians can rest assured that FHP will not tolerate antisemitic agitators and will not stand on the sidelines, but instead will take immediate action to ensure public safety from radicalized intimidation and violence.” Continue reading
HARDEE COUNTY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084 to prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Florida. Florida is taking action to stop the World Economic Forum’s goal of forcing the world to eat lab-grown meat and insects, “an overlooked source of protein.” While the World Economic Forum is telling the world to forgo meat consumption, Florida is increasing meat production, and encouraging residents to continue to consume and enjoy 100% real Florida beef.
“Today, Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —Governor Ron DeSantis issued EO 24-94 which designates 12 counties to be under a state of emergency in order to maximize state resources and cooperative efforts to assist in recovery following severe weather on May 10th, 2024, that impacted North Florida.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is in contact with local emergency management officials as recovery is underway.
Florida’s utility providers are actively working to restore power to damaged accounts. More than 100 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) personnel have worked since the end of the storm and have completed the clearing of state roads. At the Governor’s direction, state FDOT assets and personnel are now assigned to assist localities in roadway and power recovery.
State Response Efforts Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of $2.3 million through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program. These awards will bolster Florida’s military communities by supporting infrastructure projects and economic development of their surrounding communities.
“Florida is the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation, and we are continually working to ensure that our military communities remain strong,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Through these awards, we are spurring economic growth that will support our servicemembers and their families.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership, Florida remains committed to the success of our military communities and supporting our military families,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Today’s awards build on the more than $7.9 million awarded already this year, strengthening Florida’s military communities and stimulating economic growth for the future.” Continue reading
CORAL GABLES, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced additional actions in Florida to stop human trafficking. The governor will approve $4.9 million in the 2024–2025 budget to expand access to emergency beds for victims of human trafficking and provide additional support staff, as well as establish a $900,000 grant opportunity through the Department of Children and Families to enhance training for law enforcement officers who respond to human trafficking incidents.
“Florida is being proactive about stopping human trafficking,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Though our open southern border invites criminal activity like human trafficking, states can combat it with stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognize and respond to trafficking, and today I was pleased to institute those measures in Florida.”
“There is simply no place for human trafficking in the State of Florida. As someone who has been in the fight to combat human trafficking for more than 15 years, I can tell you that Florida has come a long way in combating this pervasive evil and is a recognized leader across the nation,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Today’s announcement reaffirms that Florida continues to lead the way in investing in prevention, enhancing training, and providing meaningful services that will help victims get back on their feet and start to rebuild their lives again with dignity and opportunity.” Continue reading
Hope Florida has helped nearly 30,000 transition off of government assistance and is consequentially estimated to save Florida taxpayers nearly $800 million dollars over the next 10 years.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. —Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the success of the Hope Florida Initiative and awarded seven Panhandle nonprofit organizations with $20,000 each through the Hope Florida Fund. Recipients recognized by the Governor and First Lady were: St. Andrew Christian Care Center, Food for Thought Outreach, A Bed 4 Me Foundation, Caring & Sharing of South Walton, BeGenerous, and Vision of Hope. The Governor and First Lady also awarded $20,000 to First Baptist Church of Pensacola, one of the top five needs-meeting Hope Florida CarePortal churches in Florida.
Hope Florida funding awards are made possible by the generosity of the Florida private sector. Hope Florida utilizes Hope Navigators to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity and economic independence by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities. This first-of-its-kind program brings together different parts of the community to maximize support and uncover new opportunities for those going through difficult times. Hope Navigators help individuals identify their needs, develop long-term goals, map out a path forward, and work to ensure all sectors of the community have a ‘seat at the table’ to be part of a lasting solution. Continue reading
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA-02) introduced a resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, which occurs each May.
In addition to recognizing the National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, the resolution recognizes efforts to improve access to hearing, balance, speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive care.
Communication disorders are among the most common conditions of children and adults, affecting tens of millions in the U.S., and when undiagnosed, can negatively impact academic, employment, and social success, as well as quality of life.
“This May, I’m proud to introduce this resolution with Congressman Carter, my fellow co-chair of the Unified Voices Caucus,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “Last year when we launched this caucus and shed light on the importance of communication disorders, we saw the outpouring of support from Americans who rely on audiologists and speech-language pathologists for everyday care. It’s important that people know they aren’t alone and there are champions in Congress who recognize their challenges and support their journeys to overcome them. I look forward to continuing our great work to bring awareness to these issues and the policies that promote diagnosis and treatment.” Continue reading
WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Kat Cammack joined Chip Roy (TX-21) and a group of 48 GOP House members in introducing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to protect U.S. elections.
Since President Biden took office, millions of illegal aliens have poured into our country illegally and many are given the opportunity to register to vote in federal elections. The SAVE Act would thwart Democrat efforts to cement one-party rule by upholding and strengthening current law that permits only U.S. citizens to vote in Federal elections.
Representative Roy said, “Secure elections are a key cornerstone for any representative government; without them, we won’t have a country. Radical progressive Democrats know this and are using open border policies while also attacking election integrity laws to fundamentally remake America. That’s why I am proud to introduce the SAVE Act with Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues, along with the invaluable support of citizens and organizations that recognize we must end the practice of non-citizens voting in our elections.” Continue reading
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Biden signed into law Congressman Aaron Bean (Fl-04) and Congresswoman Cammack’s bill to rename the Melrose, Florida post office after local letter carrier Pamela “Pam” Jane Rock, who tragically died after sustaining injuries while delivering mail in northeast Florida.
“Pam had a servant’s heart, and it was obvious in the way she lived her life. While her time on this earth was tragically cut short, she served the U.S. Post Service with passion and integrity,” said Congressman Bean. “Designating the Melrose Post Office in her name will honor her legacy in the community she loved. I am very proud to see our bill signed into law officially memorializing Pam’s memory and commitment to Floridians. Continue reading
