Gov. Roy Cooper has released a three-part, $1 billion plan to address North Carolina's mental health and substance abuse crisis.
North Carolina's anxiety and depression rates have quadrupled, its overdose deaths have increased by 72 percent and youth suicide rates have doubled, according to a March 8 news release from Mr. Cooper's website.
The three-pronged plan will focus on making behavioral health service accessible, crisis support systems for individuals with complex mental health needs, and implementing data and technology to improve care access.
Funds will be dispersed as follows:
- $225 million to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for behavioral healthcare.
- $175 million toward access to routine, integrated behavioral healthcare in communities and schools.
- $150 million toward behavioral health programs for individuals released from jail, mental capacity for trial and resources for judges who decide services will help an individual.
- $200 million for a statewide behavioral health crisis system
- $100 million to improve child welfare and family well-being services.
- $100 million for sustainable hospitalization and step-down options to relieve overcrowding of inpatient facilities.
- $50 million for expanding data and technology, including access to telehealth services, tracking for psychiatric beds and increased use of electronic health records.