~~Honor recognizes groundbreaking efforts to combat opioid crisis~~
Media Release | June 8, 2025
Pasco County Media Relations
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Pasco County is proud to earn a Florida Association of County Health Services Administrators (FACSHA) 2025 Innovation Award for opioid response and behavioral health partnership.
Pasco County Government, in partnership with BayCare Behavioral Health Institute, received honors for its strategic use of opioid settlement funds to launch the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center (UCC). This new service line within Pasco County’s crisis continuum of care is the first behavioral health urgent care center in Florida, providing immediate support for those in need of mental health and addiction care that may not require intensive intervention.
“This award reflects what’s possible when local government, health care leaders and community partners come together with a shared vision,” says Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathryn Starkey. “Pasco is proud to lead the way in transforming how we respond to substance use and mental health challenges.”
The Innovation Award celebrates counties that demonstrate forward-thinking approaches to public health delivery. Pasco’s model was selected for its impact, replicability and alignment with long-term solutions to urgent behavioral health needs.
“This new UCC in Pasco County is an example of what can be achieved when community partners work together toward a common goal,” says BayCare Clinical Operations Director Tracey Kaly. “This much-needed resource for the people of Pasco would not have been possible without the county’s proactive leadership and responsible stewardship of opioid settlement funds.”
Since February, Pasco’s UCC has served over 600 individuals, providing critical support to vulnerable people and families, regardless of their ability to pay. This vital service, which bridges a gap in behavioral health access, is possible through support from the Opioid Fund, Community Development Block Grant and other federal and private funding sources.
