by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Robert Friedman, a professor at the University of South Florida’s Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute and director of the Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health, was at City Hall Tuesday to announce a $9 million federal grant to overhaul Duval County’s efforts for children’s mental health and youth services.
The grant comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will be partially matched with $3 million from
the City and community.
The new system of care will be implemented over a six-year period with the Jacksonville Children’s Commission serving as the fiscal agent. Other partners in the initiative are the Partnership for Child Health, the Early Learning Coalition of Jacksonville Inc. and Family Support Services.
Friedman said obtaining the grant was a “testimony to Jacksonville’s perseverance and commitment.”
“Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get ready for the important work that lies ahead,” he said.
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