[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E8-E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING PASCO COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR RECEIVING THE AUDREY 
                              NELSON AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
work of Pasco County Community Development and to congratulate the 
County on receiving the prestigious Audrey Nelson Award, a national 
honor that recognizes exemplary achievement in serving communities and 
low- and moderate-income residents through the innovative use of 
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment 
Partnership funds.
  The Audrey Nelson Award is bestowed annually on only a limited number 
of projects nationwide. This year, just seven projects were selected, 
making Pasco County's achievement especially noteworthy. Pasco County 
is proud to once again be among this distinguished group, with 
recognition for its Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center (UCC)--the 
first Behavioral Health UCC in the State of Florida, This innovative 
project was developed to address a critical gap in access to urgent 
mental health and substance use services for vulnerable populations. 
The Behavioral Health UCC provides immediate, voluntary access to 
outpatient behavioral health care with extended hours, offering a vital 
alternative to emergency departments. It also serves as an essential 
access point for individuals transitioning from high-risk settings such 
as jails and inpatient facilities, helping ensure continuity of care at 
moments when intervention is most needed. The impact of this program 
has been extraordinary. While the UCC initially anticipated serving 450 
individuals during its first year of operation--from February 5, 2025, 
through September 30, 2025--it ultimately provided services to 1,274 
adults, exceeding expectations by 183 percent. Approximately 94 percent 
of those served were successfully diverted from more acute inpatient 
settings. Additionally, 71 percent of follow-up appointments were 
attended, a remarkable improvement from the 34 percent follow-up rate 
that existed prior to the establishment of the UCC for individuals 
referred from critical transition points.
  This success was made possible in part through a strategic investment 
of $1,469,927 in CDBG funds, which supported essential infrastructure 
and renovation needs at the facility. These funds not only enabled the 
UCC to open its doors but also helped leverage additional operational 
funding to sustain services in the years ahead. The Behavioral Health 
Urgent Care Center now stands as a model for how targeted federal 
resources can be used to drive innovation, improve outcomes, and 
strengthen communities.
  I commend Pasco County Community Development and all partners 
involved for their leadership, vision, and commitment to serving those 
most in need. Their work exemplifies the purpose of community 
development programs and demonstrates how thoughtful investment

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can change lives. It is fitting that this exceptional project has been 
recognized with the Audrey Nelson Award.

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