Miami-Dade mental health diversion facility remains stalled after decades-long debate

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A discussion two decades in the making on whether to open a mental health facility in Miami ended Wednesday without any action being taken.

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Miami-Dade County’s first-of-its-kind mental health diversion facility has been sitting empty for years.

The county purchased the building at 2200 NW 7th Avenue with bond money approved in 2004.

Retired Judge Steven Leifman has been the force behind the much-lauded facility.

“We need to build system for that very acute polulation so we can break the cycle of homeless, we can break the jail cycle, and we can break the hospitalization cycle,” Leifman said.

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Commissioners largely agreed the facility is important to saving lives and freeing up jail bed space.

But board chair Anthony Rodriguez expressed concern about keeping it open after the first two years, which are already funded.

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“Are we prepared to raise property taxes to pay for this center?” He asked.