North Carolina Innovates with Real-Time Mental Health Bed Registry Updates
North Carolina is taking significant strides to enhance its mental health care system with the introduction of major updates to the state’s online mental health bed registry. These updates are designed to cut down wait times and ensure individuals in crisis receive timely assistance. The revamped Behavioral Health Statewide Central Availability Navigator (BH SCAN) now features hourly updates, a significant improvement from the previous daily updates, and is integrated with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
According to NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai, “Making BH SCAN available to 988 counselors and improving its accuracy with automated updates will make it easier for people in North Carolina to receive the care they need and deserve in a more coordinated effort.” This collaboration exemplifies a concerted effort to create a more robust mental health care system statewide.
Real-Time Data for Swift Crisis Response
The Automated Bed Availability (ABA) feature within BH SCAN provides real-time data to mental health providers and hospitals. This innovation marks North Carolina as the first state in the nation to implement hourly updates for mental health bed availability. Previously reliant on manual daily updates, BH SCAN now offers more precise data, facilitating quicker patient placement across varied levels of care.
Integration of BH SCAN with the 988 Lifeline ensures that dispatchers have access to current bed availability in a caller’s area, minimizing disruptions in care delivery. As of now, BH SCAN encompasses over 3,500 mental health care beds across 112 facilities, covering a broad spectrum of services from inpatient psychiatric care to substance use disorder treatment.
Expanding Access and Visibility
Since its January 2023 launch, BH SCAN has expanded significantly, now providing visibility into 80% of the state’s total inpatient psychiatric bed capacity. The system’s secure portal allows facilities to search for available beds based on specific criteria such as patient demographics and location. This expansion is part of a broader effort to close the gap between licensed and operational beds.
In 2024, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) piloted the ABA feature with institutions like UNC, Daymark, and Alexander Youth Network, leading the nation in real-time bed availability automation. The statewide rollout of ABA in 2024 increased bed update frequency by 1,400%, enabling providers to access up-to-date bed availability throughout the day.
Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Disorders, emphasized the impact of BH SCAN: “Finding an appropriate bed based on someone’s medical needs can be a time-intensive process. BH SCAN is helping simplify this so people receive help quicker.”
Efforts to Enhance Mental Health Care
Beyond hospitals and providers, 42 county Department of Social Services offices are now integrated into BH SCAN, further enhancing referral capabilities. BH SCAN represents one of many initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health care in North Carolina. Those interested in learning more about these initiatives can refer to the 2025 annual progress report on the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services 2024-29 strategic plan.
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