FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—Today Governor Rick Scott signed the "Keep Florida Working" budget for Fiscal Year 2015–2016. Here's what Florida health professionals are saying:

State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong said, "I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature to promote public health. Investing in research programs on cancer and Alzheimer's disease will lead to cures that enrich the lives of Florida's families."

Jennifer Dritt, executive director of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, said, "This four-fold increase in funding will allow us to enhance the local response to victims of sexual violence and ensure that their needs are met at every level of engagement with victim service, criminal justice and healthcare systems."

Ellie Schrot, director of Early Steps, said, "Early Steps families, providers, community partners and child advocates are extremely grateful for the additional funding from the state legislature. We are pleased with the department's collaboration with local Early Steps providers as we continue to improve our partnership. This additional funding will ensure infants and toddlers with handicapping conditions and developmental delays, and their families, receive life-changing early intervention services."

Dr. Thomas J. George Jr., chair of Florida's Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council (CCRAB), said, "On behalf of CCRAB and cancer stakeholders throughout Florida, I'm delighted the Governor and Legislature continued funding of the National Cancer Institute and the Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research programs. Florida is continuing to develop a robust clinical care and cancer research network for our residents and visitors."

Dr. Kenneth Brummel-Smith, Charlotte Edwards Maguire Professor, chair of the Department of Geriatrics, Florida State University and Chair of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Grant Advisory Board, said, "This year's funding for Alzheimer's research will continue to help with the development of better treatments and cures right here in the state of Florida. Breakthroughs for these types of debilitating diseases often come from research and this necessary funding is one more step in the right direction to offer hope to these families and their loved ones."

For additional details on the Governor's "Keep Florida Working" Budget for FY 2015–2016, visit www.keepfloridaworking.com.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.