The bill aims to address and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in mental health and substance abuse services in Florida. It amends section 381.7355 of the Florida Statutes by adding a new priority area that specifically targets disparities in morbidity and mortality rates related to mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of improving neighborhood social determinants of health, such as transportation, safety, and food access, as part of the proposals submitted under the Closing the Gap grant program.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that priority be given to project proposals that represent areas with the greatest documented racial and ethnic disparities in the provision of mental health and substance abuse services. This legislative change is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to create a more equitable healthcare system for marginalized communities in Florida.