20 Really Good People
LSF Health Systems CEO Dr. Christine Cauffield has worked in behavioral health for decades, but she’s never been prouder of her profession or her organization than she has been seeing how they have performed during the last five years.
The 2020 pandemic created crises in both mental health and substance misuse. Increased anxiety, depression and drug use, combined with isolation and disruption in work and school routines, resulted in an unprecedented mental health epidemic. It forced those working in behavioral health to develop innovative ways to respond, and Cauffield said that’s just what LSF Health Systems has done.
New reports highlight the positive impact those working on the front lines of mental healthcare have had over the last five years. Overdose deaths are now decreasing in Florida, and citizens have greater access
to mental healthcare services than ever before.
“I witnessed the power of Florida’s unique community-based case model in addressing the types of challenges we faced during the last five years,” Cauffield said. “The effectiveness of our system of care is why I was invited to serve on a network of European organizations studying the world’s best practices in mental healthcare.”
Cauffield led the launch of a program that trains those in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges to serve as peer recovery specialists in a variety of areas. The effort helped address the severe counselor shortage. It was vital in meeting the challenges created by the pandemic, and it has evolved into a national model.
Cauffield and her team recently created and promoted a new Zero Suicide Jax campaign to expand the vital work they do.
“I’ve been able to meet so many amazing people who are alive and doing well today because of the lifesaving work our team does,” Cauffield said. “These dedicated people and the opportunities we have to affect positive change are why I love what I do.”
