Recognizing Pasco County Community Development for Receiving the Audrey Nelson Award
Floor Speech
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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Pasco County Community Development and to congratulate the County on receiving the prestigious Audrey Nelson Award, a national honor that recognizes exemplary achievement in serving communities and low- and moderate-income residents through the innovative use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership funds.
The Audrey Nelson Award is bestowed annually on only a limited number of projects nationwide. This year, just seven projects were selected, making Pasco County's achievement especially noteworthy. Pasco County is proud to once again be among this distinguished group, with recognition for its Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center (UCC)--the first Behavioral Health UCC in the State of Florida, This innovative project was developed to address a critical gap in access to urgent mental health and substance use services for vulnerable populations. The Behavioral Health UCC provides immediate, voluntary access to outpatient behavioral health care with extended hours, offering a vital alternative to emergency departments. It also serves as an essential access point for individuals transitioning from high-risk settings such as jails and inpatient facilities, helping ensure continuity of care at moments when intervention is most needed. The impact of this program has been extraordinary. While the UCC initially anticipated serving 450 individuals during its first year of operation--from February 5, 2025, through September 30, 2025--it ultimately provided services to 1,274 adults, exceeding expectations by 183 percent. Approximately 94 percent of those served were successfully diverted from more acute inpatient settings. Additionally, 71 percent of follow-up appointments were attended, a remarkable improvement from the 34 percent follow-up rate that existed prior to the establishment of the UCC for individuals referred from critical transition points.
This success was made possible in part through a strategic investment of $1,469,927 in CDBG funds, which supported essential infrastructure and renovation needs at the facility. These funds not only enabled the UCC to open its doors but also helped leverage additional operational funding to sustain services in the years ahead. The Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center now stands as a model for how targeted federal resources can be used to drive innovation, improve outcomes, and strengthen communities.
I commend Pasco County Community Development and all partners involved for their leadership, vision, and commitment to serving those most in need. Their work exemplifies the purpose of community development programs and demonstrates how thoughtful investment can change lives. It is fitting that this exceptional project has been recognized with the Audrey Nelson Award.
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