Governor Stein Advocates for Enhanced Mental Health Services in North Carolina
Governor Josh Stein, alongside North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai, recently visited East Carolina University Health Behavioral Health Hospital to emphasize the significance of mental and behavioral health services in promoting safety across North Carolina. This 144-bed facility, established in collaboration with Acadia Healthcare, currently offers inpatient and intensive outpatient psychiatric care for adults and seniors, with plans to extend services to younger populations in the future.
Governor Stein expressed his support, stating, “ECU Health’s behavioral health hospital is helping the state pursue two crucial goals: connecting more people to mental health care and bringing people’s care closer to home.” He anticipates collaborating with the General Assembly to further invest in healthcare, particularly mental health, and to recognize the healthcare workforce’s vital contributions.
Secretary Dev Sangvai highlighted the importance of accessible mental health services, noting, “Ensuring North Carolinians have access to quality mental health care when and where they need it is essential to support whole-person health and well-being.” The Department of Health and Human Services aims to expand and improve behavioral health care throughout the state, with facilities like ECU Health’s Behavioral Health Hospital playing a pivotal role.
As the region’s sole dedicated inpatient behavioral health facility within a 75-mile radius, ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is committed to addressing mental health and substance use challenges. CEO Tyler Davis emphasized the importance of investing in behavioral health care in rural areas, saying, “We are grateful for Governor Stein’s visit and continued commitment to strengthening behavioral health services for the communities we serve.”
Earlier this month, Governor Stein urged the General Assembly to approve a $1.4 billion Critical Needs Budget. This budget aims to tackle North Carolina’s pressing needs, directing $319 million to fully fund Medicaid, which is the largest payer for mental health and substance use disorder services in the nation. Additionally, the proposal includes a 10% salary increase for nurses and behavioral health technicians at state-operated facilities to bolster mental health services and ensure public safety.
Last month, a $1.5 million investment was announced by Governor Stein for the expansion of Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs. These funds will extend the program to seven sheriff offices and police departments, aiming to provide support services to individuals battling addiction and reduce recidivism.
In February, an executive order was signed by Governor Stein to enhance North Carolina’s behavioral health and criminal justice systems. This order aims to improve the collaboration among the state’s health and safety departments to better serve North Carolinians and minimize preventable harm. Read the Governor’s executive order here.
Click here to read Governor Stein’s Critical Needs Budget proposal.
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