Newsletter
Florida Representative Darryl Rouson Visits USF to Discuss the Importance of Behavioral Healthcare, Substance Abuse Prevention and Social Work Graduates
Representative Darryl Rouson, whose district covers portions of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties visited faculty, students and representatives from the USF College of Behavioral & Community Sciences (CBCS) on Friday, October 14th. CBCS faculty described programs related to Representative Rouson's interests, including behavioral healthcare and social work, with special emphasis on addictions, trauma, and various interventions such as drug court and bystander intervention programs.
From left to right: Department of Child & Family Studies Chair Dr. Mario Hernandez, Research Assistant Professor Dr. Roxanne McKneish, Associate Professor Dr. Alison Salloum, CBCS Dean Dr. Julie Serovich, Assistant Professor Dr. Ráchael A. Powers, State Rep. Darryl Rouson, USFSP Regional Vice Chancellor for Government Relations Dr. Helen Levine, CBCS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Catherine Batsche, and State Coordinator for HIPPYCorps Program Brenda Brinson.
Much of the conversation centered around the effects of substance abuse on people's lives, and how untreated mental health concerns and trauma add to the effects. Most of the topics were discussed in general, but the discussion also touched on how people of color, especially African American boys and men are impacted.
Representative Rouson shared how his own personal struggle with addiction derailed his life until he sought help and support. He expressed interest in working with the college to develop innovative approaches that involve research, students and community members solving problems together.
"Representative Rouson is an inspiration for recovery. He speaks openly and without stigma about his life's challenges, and in this way sets an example to others who find themselves with similar life challenges," said Dr. Mario Hernandez.
"It was refreshing to see someone in his position be honest and open about his past struggles and how that has shaped him into who he is today," added Dr. Roxann McNeish. "This unpretentiousness makes him very easy to relate to and drives what appears to be a genuine concern and desire to help others with similar struggles."
"Our goal is to be among the most influential resources for behavioral and community sciences in the region, nation, and world," said Dr. Julianne Serovich, CBCS Dean. "To reach that goal, it involves collaborating with partners and community members like Representative Rouson who is focused on examining the problems and challenges people encounter and ensuring clinical and supportive services are in place for their needs. We were thrilled that he took the time to speak with our students in Social Work, where he reinforced the importance of the services they will provide after graduation."
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008, Representative Rouson has passed a number of bills including his Juvenile Civil Citation bill which gives police officers the discretion to issue juveniles a citation for three separate misdemeanors as an alternative to arrest. He has been recognized for his service to our state by a number of organizations, including Florida Partners in Crisis, Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, PACE Center of Pinellas and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.