DATE: January 28, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager, Broward County Commission
PHONE: (954) 357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Commissioner Lois Wexler has allocated $84,825 from her Fiscal Year 2015 District 5 funds to the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition to benefit the South Florida Wellness Network for its Peer Support Re-entry Model program. The program assists people with substance and mental health issues transition out of jail and live productive and purposeful lives.
"This program is a win-win for all involved. It will provide a stipend for those who are peer counselors, reduce recidivism and most important help people turn their lives around," said Commissioner Wexler.
"I am truly honored and moved by your support. We will be able to provide hope to individuals who need someone to show them how to find a new way of life. Thank you for believing in the Peer Movement and the work that we are doing at South Florida Wellness Network," said Susan Nyamora, President and CEO of the South Florida Wellness Network.
Commissioner Wexler presented a proclamation designating this week as "National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week" in Broward County. National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is sponsored by the National Institute of Drug Abuse ,the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and a number of federal and private organizations to encourage high school students across the country to ask questions about alcohol and substance abuse at planned community outreach events with leading experts.
"This is actually a really important week to many of us as we get an opportunity to go out into some schools in Broward County and speak to some of the youth about alcoholism and drug prevention. Many of us have walked that path and we can share our experience, strength and hope," said Nyamora.
Broward Commissioners also approved the co-sponsorship of the Behavioral Health Conference to be held on May 10th and 11th at the Signature Grand to benefit the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition and its community partner: United Way of Broward County Commission of Substance Abuse.
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