The Darryl E. Rouson Center for Substance Use and Mental Health Research at the University of South Florida has received generous funding in Florida's 2026–27 state budget signed into law today by Gov. Ron Desantis.
The center, which advances scientific understanding of the relationship between substance use and mental health disorders, will begin recruiting faculty and building its research capacity to advance innovative solutions to some of Florida’s most pressing substance use and mental health challenges.
Located within USF's College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, the Darryl E. Rouson Center for Substance Use and Mental Health Research was established by the USF Board of Trustees on Sept. 9, 2025.
Behavioral health challenges touch every community, and this investment will help generate the research and evidence-based solutions needed to advance science and improve lives. Together, we can further the body of knowledge in the areas of substance use and mental health.
Dean Julie Serovich, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.
The center was named in honor of Florida Sen. Darryl E. Rouson, whose personal recovery journey and legislative leadership have made him a leading advocate for mental health and substance use services across the state. Rouson served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2008 to 2016 and in the Florida Senate from 2016 to 2026.
The Darryl E. Rouson Center for Substance Use and Mental Health Research builds upon the state’s investment in USF’s efforts to address mental health and substance use challenges. During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers established the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce which is helping to grow, retain and innovate the workforce needed to meet Florida’s behavioral health needs.