Boys Town South Florida continues to be the answer to prayers for many children and youth who need hope for a better tomorrow. We can achieve positive outcomes because of your confidence in our mission to Change the Way America Cares for Children & Families by helping one child, one family at a time. We remain steadfast in the vision set by Father Flanagan: to help all those in need, regardless of background.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the Florida State Health Improvement Plan* (SHIP) Indicator and Performance Data Dashboard, the percentage of high school students who have indicated attempted suicide for the last 5 years, from 2019 to 2023, has decreased. Initially, there was a rise from 2020 to 2022, but we saw an encouraging decline in 2023. These results highlight the positive collective efforts of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, families, faith communities and neighbors who stand together to bring light into the darkest moments for our youth.
When it comes to addressing the mental health crisis in our youth, in 2024, our outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic helped 668 children and their families face challenges such as ADHD, school difficulties, emotional struggles, noncompliance and relationship concerns, and received the support and guidance needed. Additionally, our Behavioral Health Clinic is now under the leadership of Dr. Steve Arcidiacono, a licensed psychologist with 15 years of clinical experience providing science-backed treatments with young people and their families. He is also an enthusiastic public speaker who regularly presents on topics like screen time management, sleep health and the impact of video games on youth.
Dr. Arcidiacono has been with Boys Town for over 10 years, including a year-long internship at the Center for Behavioral Health at our home site in Nebraska. His transition from Staff Psychologist to Clinical Director has been an anticipated phenomenon in the making, and we are pleased with the positive continuation of our clinic in meeting patient needs. His leadership ensures the clinic will continue to meet the complex needs of our patients with compassion and excellence.
“It is a privilege to take the lead on a team so committed to serving the mental health needs of young people in our community. We are eager to continue providing effective treatments that help children and families thrive in an ever-changing world." Dr. Steve Arcidiacono.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can call our clinic at 561-612-6056 to make an appointment. We also offer a free mobile app, Your Life Your Voice, which helps track feelings, identify triggers and provide strategies for coping with stress. You can text VOICE to 20121 to connect with a counselor -- at no cost -- anytime.
We are deeply grateful for your trust and support. Together, we are saving children, strengthening families and shaping futures filled with promise. I pray that this school year your children will continue to be protected, guided and loved, and will move forward in a positive direction.
For the Children,
Bethany Lacey
Executive Director
Citation
*Florida Department of Health. (n.d.). Florida SHIP
indicator and performance data dashboard. Florida State Health Improvement
Plan (SHIP). Retrieved August 10, 2025, from Florida SHIP website: https://floridaship.org/data/