Thriving Mind South Florida

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

08/05/2026

Hallucinogens can cause life-threatening medical emergencies, especially when mixed with other substances. Learn about the short & long-term effects of hallucinogen use, and find help if you or someone you know is struggling with substance use: samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/hallucinogens

08/05/2026

📊 The 2025 found declines in major depressive episodes and co-occurring major depressive episodes and substance use disorders among adolescents ages 12–17.

More insights in the 2025 : samhsa.gov/nsduh

08/04/2026

Promoting mental health and preventing substance misuse is a critical part of overall health and wellness. As part of this mission, we want to equip parents, teachers, and students with resources to foster a mentally healthy return to school: samhsa.gov/school-health

07/31/2026

The Thriving Mind Care Coordination Team recently hosted its Quarterly Care Coordination Meeting, bringing together community providers, network provider care coordinators, and local resource partners to strengthen collaboration and ensure our provider network remains informed of the latest care coordination initiatives, resources, and best practices.

The meeting featured informative presentations from the Thriving Mind Peer Services Department, Dr. Edward Suarez of IDEA Exchange, and Wilfredo Pantoja of Hope Florida, who shared valuable updates on available services, referral pathways, and collaborative opportunities to enhance care coordination and improve outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.

These quarterly meetings provide an important forum for building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the coordinated system of care across our community. We appreciate everyone who participated and contributed to another successful and meaningful event.

07/30/2026

Sometimes the best moments happen between the agenda items.

From meaningful discussions and site visits to candid conversations and shared laughter, our July Board Meeting in the Florida Keys was a reminder that strong partnerships are built through connection.

We were grateful for the opportunity to spend time with our Board members, staff, community partners, and the team at WestCare GUIDANCE CARE CENTER INC. as we learned more about the unique behavioral health needs of the Keys and the incredible work being done to support the community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this gathering both productive and memorable. Together, we’re strengthening relationships, sharing ideas, and advancing our mission to improve behavioral health services across South Florida. WestCare Guidance/Care Center

Leadership Teamwork StrongerTogether

07/28/2026

The Eleventh Judicial CIT Program recently hosted a Crisis Intervention Team (C.I.T.) Peer Panel, moderated by Michelle "Mich" Fernandez, bringing together individuals with lived experience to strengthen understanding between first responders and the recovery community.

Thriving Mind Peer Services Manager Derek S. Moore joined fellow panelists Matt Racher and Walter Thompson in sharing their personal journeys of mental health and substance use recovery. Through honest conversations and lived experience, the panel offered valuable insight into the challenges individuals in crisis often face and the critical role that empathy, compassion, and person-centered responses play in effective crisis intervention.

By helping first responders see beyond the crisis to the person behind it, discussions like these build stronger partnerships, reduce stigma, and reinforce that recovery is possible. Every interaction has the potential to make a meaningful difference in someone's recovery journey, and we are grateful to the Eleventh Judicial CIT Program for creating opportunities to foster understanding, collaboration, and hope. South Florida Wellness Network

07/27/2026

The Thriving Mind Peer Services Department is proud to present the Quarterly Peer Excellence Award to Oronet Sanchez, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to service, advocacy, and the advancement of peer support in our community.

Presented by Derek Moore and Isabella “Izzy” Lopez, this award honors a Peer Specialist who exemplifies excellence and dedication to uplifting both the individuals they serve and fellow peers throughout our region. For 26 years at Banyan, Oronet has demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to recovery-oriented services, making a lasting impact on countless lives.

Oronet's dedication to strengthening the peer profession and supporting the growth of Peer Specialists embodies the values of this award. We are honored to recognize her outstanding contributions and proud to have him as a valued member of our peer community. Congratulations, Oronet, on this well-deserved achievement. Banyan Community Health

07/24/2026

988 and 911: Know who to contact to get the right support at the right time.