Governor Cooper unveils new $1 billion investment to address state mental health crisis

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced he plans to invest $1 billion to address the state’s mental health and substance abuse crises on Wednesday, according to a release from the governor’s office.

In the release, many factors contributed to Cooper’s decision, including almost quadrupled anxiety and depression rates, a 72% increase in overdose deaths, and the doubled rate of youth suicides.

The plan has three areas of investment to continue and improve mental health care: making behavioral health services more available where more people need them; building strong support systems for people in crisis or with complex needs; and working towards better health access by using data and technology. The plan will also focus on supporting workers in the mental health field.

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“Our mental health system is under significant stress and in need of major investments to make sure every family, student, and North Carolinian can get critical care,” said Governor Cooper. “This plan tackles the ongoing mental health crisis in a direct and meaningful way by investing in the whole-person health of North Carolinians. It will empower workplaces, schools, and local governments in search of more ways to help their communities, and most importantly, it will save lives.”

A breakdown of the spending plan shows that the $1 billion investment will be divided into multiple parts. Over $200 million will be used to raise Medicaid reimbursement, $175 million will be used to improve care in schools and communities, another $175 million will be used to integrate mental and physical health, and $150 million will be used to help people leaving jail transition back into the community.

The remainder of the funding has been divided to transform child welfare, build a strong statewide crisis system, and create sustainable hospitalization options.

For mental health resources in our area, please click here.

(WATCH BELOW: MHA of Central Carolinas holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for free mental health services)