North Carolina Bolsters Substance Use Services with $5.7 Million Investment
Seeking to address critical gaps in substance use treatment across North Carolina, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has earmarked $5.7 million to boost access to essential services. This infusion of funds will benefit twelve community organizations, particularly in underserved areas.
“We must not let up in the fight to help more people live healthy, happy lives free of addiction,” emphasized Governor Josh Stein. “By funding community-based programs that provide treatment and recovery services, we are helping more North Carolinians get on a path to recovery and strengthening public safety.”
The investment aims to support more than 1.4 million North Carolinians grappling with substance use issues. North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai noted, “While we have made strides in reducing emergency room visits and overdoses in North Carolina, our work continues toward a goal of increasing access to care, particularly in areas where there are gaps in services like rural or low-income communities.”
The financial resources come from federal Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grants, managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). NCDHHS will oversee the distribution of these state grants, with awards ranging between $287,000 and $500,000. Further funding for up to two more years is possible, contingent on federal funds availability.
“NCDHHS is committed to meeting people where they are, both physically and mentally, in their substance use recovery journey,” stated NCDHHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Kelly Crosbie. “Ensuring everyone has access to the same level of care is critical for building a system of care that supports all North Carolinians.”
The funding will support diverse initiatives, including services in rural areas, crisis co-response teams, youth treatment and prevention, transitional housing, peer support, mobile outreach, and other evidence-based interventions. Several programs align with Governor Josh Stein’s Executive Order 33, which emphasizes improving mental health care access for individuals involved in the justice system.
This initiative represents a part of NCDHHS’s broader strategy to create a coordinated substance use care system, ensuring services are readily accessible when necessary. Additional efforts are outlined in the one-year progress report to the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.
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