Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor DeSantis announced his Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, which includes critical investments that support the health of Florida’s communities. The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget demonstrates Governor and First Lady DeSantis’ continued commitment to public health and health care innovation.

"Governor DeSantis understands the importance of investing in Floridians’ health,” said State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. “These investments in public health and health care will support the Florida Department of Health in protecting, promoting, and improving the health of all Floridians.”

Key investments for the Florida Department of Health include:

• $219 million to continue Florida’s fight against cancer. This includes $60 million for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund to fund groundbreaking cancer research and $788,642 to improve cancer data collection through Florida’s Cancer Data System, which facilitates timely understanding of the status of cancer in Florida and fuels improved cancer prevention and treatment.
• $7.3 million to support infants and toddlers with, or at risk of, developmental delays through Early Steps.
• $5.3 million to improve diagnoses and treatment for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis by expanding routine screening in emergency departments.
• $2.3 million to expand access to behavioral health care for children by training pediatricians to provide or refer children to mental health care services through Behavioral Health Hubs.
• $1 million for the Florida Stroke Registry, which is instrumental in helping Florida’s health care providers improve stroke care through data utilization and developing and sharing best practices.

Through these key investments, the Department will continue to expand health access and services through integrated state, county, and community efforts under its nationally accredited integrated public health system.