The COVID-19 pandemic has caused much stress to Americans over the safety and healthcare of family and friends, the financial stability of homes and the economy, and numerous other concerns that are quickly trying to be answered.
In response to the growing frustration and attack on the mental well-being of Americans, Miami Dade County has received an effective boost from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez (R), Commissioner Esteban “Steve” Bovo and John W. Newcomer, M.D., who took part in an event in Citrus Health Network to receive a donation of 5,000 KN95 masks from local real estate executive Moshe Popack.
The masks were donated to Thriving Mind South Florida, which is the Managing Entity tasked with managing the mental health and substance abuse safety net for Monroe and Miami-Dade counties.
Thanking Popack for the healthcare donation, Mayor Gimenez added that “May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, so this donation goes a long way to help our community meet the mental health care needs of the uninsured residents whom Managing Entities serve.”
Dr. Newcomer, the President & CEO of Thriving Mind, explained that “access to effective services is always important, but the need for services has clearly persisted and even increased in several ways during this pandemic.” Moreover, he stressed that they “would not be able to do this without community partnerships that include Miami Dade County, particularly our partnerships with the schools, law enforcement, and the courts, and of course, generous support from individuals like Mr. Moshe Popack.”
The donated masks will be used to treat patients that are dealing with challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As well, Managing Entities has secured outside funding and resources to strengthen the safety net system through grants and community partnerships such as this one.
“I am pleased to provide some PPE assistance in the form of 5,000 KN95 masks for the safety of our front-line health care workers, particularly as they serve the needs of the behavioral health patient community,” said Popack.
