Miami Faith Leaders Demand Long-Delayed Mental Health Center Open

Community activists and clergy call on county officials to fulfill 2004 promise and fund new treatment facility

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:25pm

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Over 800 faith leaders and community activists gathered in Miami to demand the Miami-Dade County Commission open the long-promised Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery. The center, which was approved by voters in 2004, would provide comprehensive treatment and support for mentally ill individuals instead of jailing them. Despite $50 million in renovations and non-profit groups ready to operate the facility, the center remains empty and unused. Speakers shared heartbreaking stories of lives lost due to the delay, calling it a matter of "life and death" for the community. While some commissioners voiced support, others pushed to further delay the project, requiring the mayor to identify funding sources for the next 10 years of operations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing struggle to provide adequate mental health resources in underserved communities. The Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery was envisioned as a way to divert mentally ill individuals from the criminal justice system and into proper treatment. Its continued delay has had tragic consequences, underscoring the urgent need for policymakers to follow through on promises to improve access to mental healthcare.

The details

The Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery was approved by voters in 2004 but has yet to open despite $50 million in renovations. The county selected two non-profit groups to operate the facility, and numerous local organizations pledged support, including the Homeless Trust. However, the center remains empty and unused. At a rally of over 800 faith leaders and community activists, speakers shared stories of lives lost due to the delay, including that of a young man named Jordan who died by suicide after being released from prison without access to the promised treatment center.

  • The Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery was approved by voters in 2004.
  • The county has spent over $50 million renovating the building for the center.
  • Two years ago, non-profit groups were selected to operate the facility.
  • On Wednesday, county commissioners voted to further delay opening the center by requiring the mayor to identify 10 years of funding.

The players

Quanda Dupree

A member of the St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church who spoke at the rally.

Reverend Sherlain Stevens

The President of PACT (People Acting for Community Together), the organization that hosted the event.

Adam Saper

A former public defender who shared the story of a young man named Jordan who died by suicide after being released from prison without access to the promised treatment center.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

The mayor of Miami-Dade County who reaffirmed her support for opening the mental health center.

Commissioner Raquel Regalado

A county commissioner who has been leading the fight to get the center open.

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What they’re saying

“Are we OK with being told to wait when lives are on the line? Or do we believe real accountability means keeping your word? Even when things aren't guaranteed. We believe our communities deserve more than a delayed response. We deserve action.”

— Quanda Dupree, Member, St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church

“We come from different traditions. We speak different languages. We live in different neighborhoods. But we are united in one mission. And that mission is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We're not here simply to attend an event. We are living out of faith and putting our beliefs into motion.”

— Reverend Sherlain Stevens, President, PACT

“I support the facility. I support opening it. I disagree with this dialog completely. We set up this paradigm where we believe this service has to pay for itself. I think that was the wrong approach. I think that's the wrong conversation. Services don't necessarily have to pay for themselves in this way.”

— Commissioner Oliver Gilbert

What’s next

The Miami-Dade County Commission will reconvene in two months to further discuss funding and a plan for opening the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in providing adequate mental health resources, especially in underserved communities. Despite years of planning and voter approval, the delay in opening the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery has had tragic consequences, underscoring the urgent need for policymakers to follow through on promises to improve access to mental healthcare.