MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina lawmakers recently shared how they plan to spend nearly $2 billion in federal funds to address mental health statewide. 

What You Need To Know

  • Mecklenburg County plans to unveil plans to invest in behavioral health services this fall

  • The county has identified five priorities to focus on under the new plan

  • Priorities include access to care, so people in need can see a medical professional in a timely manner, and addressing nonmedical needs like food, shelter and employment

Mecklenburg County is looking to invest funds to fill gaps in behavioral health services.

County manager Dena Diorio says county leaders have opened their ears to what the community thinks they should do to address the issue. The county started organizing the public’s response into five priorities: prevention and early intervention, access to care, service array, system of care and social drivers of health.

When it comes to the first priority, she says being proactive can save lives.

“We want to catch people upstream before they get into a place where it becomes critical or in crisis,” she said. 

Diorio says access to care ensures the ability to see a qualified medical professional in a timely manner and gives them access to an array of services across communities, tailored to specific needs. 

“So people can get the right type of services that they need,” she said.

Under the system of care priority, Diorio says the county plans to create a coordinated system of service provisions, embedded in communities. 

“So people don’t have to run around to try to find the services that they need,” she said. “It should be integrated, and it should be coordinated.”

Social drivers of health refers to nonmedical needs like food, shelter and employment. 

Diorio says she plans to present the behavioral health plan to Mecklenburg County commissioners in the fall.