Commissioner Raquel Regalado Hails Historic Momentum for Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel A. Regalado, proud sponsor and lead champion of the legislation to open the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery, today celebrated major forward progress on this long-awaited, voter-approved community lifeline. After years of dedicated collaboration with Judge Steve Leifman, county partners, and fellow commissioners, the fully renovated facility is now on track for a decisive vote at the upcoming Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting.

Following a workshop and key committee discussion last week, the item opening the Center is on the full BCC agenda this Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The item moving forward is built on the foundation Commissioner Regalado laid: her original framework remains fully intact, with a handful of additional accountability measures suggested by Jackson Health Systems and supported by Commissioner Regalado.

The Current Item, Built on Commissioner Regalado's Plan, With Added Support

Commissioner Regalado's original framework carries forward in full.

At her urging, a handful of additional accountability measures have also been incorporated, including:

• An independent biannual review of the Center's operations and clinical service delivery model, conducted by Jackson Health System or its designee.
• Issuance of an RFP for outpatient treatment services on the seventh floor.
• A centralized recordkeeping and outcomes-monitoring system for services provided at the Center.
• A biannual report reviewing the Center's operations.
• Reporting of administrative and operational adjustments at the Center to the Behavioral Health Advisory Board.
• Evaluation of the Center's utilization by individuals experiencing homelessness, with consideration of potential renegotiation of Homeless Trust funding.
• A new County policy ensuring core County services remain fully funded, with funding for the Center supplementing rather than supplanting funding for those services.

"This is a victory built on compassion, teamwork and common sense," said Commissioner Regalado. "For two decades, too many of our neighbors with severe mental illness have cycled through jails instead of getting the treatment they need, at enormous cost to taxpayers. This center isn't an added expense; it's how we stop paying for the same crisis over and over again. The Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery will be a national model for delivering better outcomes for families, reducing jail overcrowding, and building a safer, healthier Miami-Dade. For more than twenty years, Judge Steve Leifman has championed this model, secured funding and changed the minds and hearts of policy makers. We thank him for his perseverance and advocacy.”

Commissioner Regalado has long been recognized as a champion for mental health services, neuroinclusion, and vulnerable populations. She has led the charge every step of the way: securing discussions, pushing for transparency, and keeping the focus on lives transformed rather than bureaucracy. The Center aligns closely with her broader work authoring the Florida Neuroinclusion Toolkit and advocating for children and adults with disabilities.

With the building complete, 3 years of funding identified, and broad support from the Mayor’s office and public safety leaders, the June 16 BCC vote represents real hope for the community. “Momentum is building because our community demands action,” Regalado added. “I’m grateful to everyone who refused to let this sit on the shelf. Together, we will open these doors and show what compassionate leadership delivers.”

For updates, to learn more about the Center, or to engage on District 7 priorities including mental health and neurodiversity contact District 7 at 305-375-5680.