Treatment, not prison: NC’s new $11M mental health initiative
North Carolina invests $11 million to expand mental health and substance use services, aiming to prevent incarceration and support justice-involved individuals
North Carolina is taking bold steps to break the cycle of incarceration and mental health challenges with a significant new investment. The state’s latest $11 million funding initiative aims to transform how communities support individuals at risk of entering the justice system and those working to rebuild their lives after release.
Major funding boost targets mental health and substance use services
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen community-based support systems for justice-involved individuals. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as state data reveals more than half of incarcerated individuals report mental health needs, while 75% struggle with substance use disorders.
NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized the preventative aspect of this funding, stating that many individuals could avoid justice system involvement altogether with proper community support and services. The investment will expand access to critical mental health and substance use treatment programs across the state.
Organizations receiving support and their missions
Several key organizations will receive funding to expand their services:
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition and Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. will grow their Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program.
- Hope Mission and Jubilee Home will enhance housing services.
- Vaya Health will expand support services.
- Alamance Academy and Hope Restorations, Inc. will focus on employment assistance for returning citizens.
Part of a larger transformation effort
This $11 million allocation is part of NCDHHS’s broader $835 million investment in behavioral health transformation. Of this larger sum, $99 million is specifically dedicated to justice system-involved individuals, focusing on diversion programs, reentry services, and capacity restoration.
Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, highlighted the initiative’s goal of prioritizing treatment over detention, particularly noting the elevated risk of opioid overdose among formerly incarcerated individuals. The program represents a shift toward prevention and support rather than punishment, with plans for further service expansion as the state continues building its integrated behavioral health system.
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