Gov. DeSantis Orders $13M to Hurricane Ian Victim Mental Health Recovery

While physical recovery from Hurricane Ian is largely over, intangible effects are still plaguing Floridians.  This week, Governor DeSantis (R-FL) ordered the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to direct over $13 million towards expanding mental health resources for victims of Hurricane Ian.

Recovery from Hurricane Ian has been a long and painstaking task taken on by the state of Florida.  The storm that ravaged Florida late last year caused unparalleled infrastructure dilemmas, such as taking the Sanibel Causeway out of commission.  Thanks to recovery efforts, the restructuring ended up being one of the most successful in Florida's history.

Florida was also not alone in its fight to recover from Hurricane Ian.  Florida received aid from 26 different states and also had parties such as AmeriHealth Caritas Florida chipping in with assistance.

Now, Governor DeSantis also announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has obligated more than $500 million in public assistance funding to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian, and Florida’s first-ever state-led sheltering and housing program has installed more than 140 travel trailers for Floridians who lost their homes due to Hurricane Ian, more than the 80 total distributed by FEMA.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has more than 2,400 additional trailers ordered, and the Governor has directed FDEM to cut through any red tape preventing trailers from reaching Floridians in need. To apply for state-led housing recovery programs, visit IanRecovery.fl.gov/unite.

Governor DeSantis stated, "The funding we awarded today is an important part of the recovery process.  We are committed to cutting red tape and getting temporary housing trailers delivered to these communities as fast as possible so they can accelerate the rebuilding process. We will continue to fund programs and fill the gaps for Floridians as they recover after Hurricane Ian."

An additional $1 million will be rewarded to the five hardest hit counties by the hurricane.  Lee, Collier, Sarasota, Hardee, and DeSoto county will all receive cuts of the $1 million, ranging from $150,000 to $250,000.