North Carolina Launches $20 Million Program for Mental Health Patient Transportation

North Carolina Invests⁣ $20 ⁣Million in Non-Law Enforcement ​Mental⁢ Health⁤ Transportation

North Carolina is taking a proactive approach to address the needs ‌of individuals ⁣experiencing mental⁤ health crises. The state⁢ has announced a groundbreaking ⁣$20 million initiative to fund non-law enforcement‍ transportation for these individuals. This move aims to destigmatize seeking mental health care and⁤ ensure individuals receive compassionate, appropriate support. For far too long,transporting ‌people with mental‍ health needs ⁣has fallen ​to law enforcement officers,a practice that often proves inefficient and potentially traumatizing. “People in crisis ‌need health care, not handcuffs,” stated Kody Kinsley, NC ‍Health and Human⁣ Services Secretary.”This ⁤program helps people experiencing a mental health crisis receive safe transportation to the inpatient care that they need.” The new program, funded through a North Carolina​ General assembly⁢ initiative for “Non-Law Enforcement Transportation,” emphasizes “trauma-informed transportation.” It will focus on​ safely transporting individuals from hospital emergency⁤ rooms ‍to residential ‌treatment facilities.⁢ Kelly Crosbie, director of ⁤the NCDHHS Division of mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, elaborated on the program’s importance: “We want people and families feeling cozy reaching out for mental health crisis support⁣ when they⁣ need it. Knowing a person may be transported in police custody can be a ⁣deterrent⁣ for⁢ people reaching‍ out for the care they need.” The $20 million initiative​ is just one component of ⁢the state’s broader $835​ million investment in transforming north Carolina’s behavioral health system. ⁢Other goals include building⁤ a robust crisis response system, reducing emergency department wait times⁢ for mental ⁤health⁢ treatment, and improving​ access to care for all ​North Carolinians in ⁢need. Initially,⁤ the program will be rolled out in two regions of the state, which will be ‌steadfast through a competitive request for proposal process. Qualified transportation vendors are encouraged to ​apply​ for ​funding through the NC Department of Health and Human Services website. This innovative program represents a⁢ significant step towards a more humane‍ and​ effective approach ⁣to mental health crisis care ⁢in North ⁤Carolina.
## A More Humane Approach: Examining ⁢North Carolina’s Groundbreaking $20 Million Investment





Today,we’re discussing North Carolina’s‍ bold initiative​ to address the critical ‍need for compassionate mental health crisis care. Joining us is Kelly Crosbie,Director ​of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health,Developmental Disabilities,and Substance Use Services. Welcome, Kelly.



**Kelly Crosbie:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde Editor:** North Carolina has allocated $20 million for non-law enforcement transportation for⁤ individuals ⁣experiencing mental health crises.Can you elaborate on the program’s goals and why ‍this is such a significant step?



**Kelly crosbie:** Absolutely.‍ For too long, the responsibility of⁤ transporting individuals in crisis has fallen on law enforcement, often leading⁤ to unnecessary trauma and delays in receiving appropriate care. This program aims to change ⁣that by providing safe, trauma-informed⁣ transportation directly from hospital ⁤emergency rooms to residential treatment facilities. Our ultimate ⁤goal is to ensure⁤ individuals in crisis receive the healthcare they need, not handcuffs.



**archyde Editor:** You mentioned “trauma-informed transportation.” Can you explain what that entails?



**Kelly Crosbie:** Trauma-informed care recognizes the potential impact of past trauma on ⁢individuals’ experiences. We want to ensure that every step of the transportation process prioritizes the ⁢individual’s safety and well-being, ‍fostering a‍ sense of support and‌ understanding. This ⁢involves⁣ training drivers in de-escalation⁣ techniques,creating a calming and respectful environment,and‍ minimizing potential triggers.



**Archyde Editor:** It’s clear this program addresses a crucial gap in the mental health ⁤system.



How does this initiative fit into the broader ‌$835 million investment‍ into⁢ north Carolina’s behavioral health system?



**Kelly Crosbie:** This $20 million program is a key component‍ of our extensive strategy to transform mental health care in the ​state. Our broader efforts include building a more robust crisis response system, reducing wait times for emergency mental health treatment, and expanding access ‍to care⁤ for all North ​Carolinians.



**Archyde Editor:** This initiative rightfully prioritizes compassionate care. Do you foresee this program being ⁤adopted by ⁣other states facing similar⁤ challenges?



**Kelly Crosbie:** We certainly hope so.‍ We believe this model has the potential to substantially improve the way we respond to individuals experiencing mental health⁢ crises, ​and we welcome ⁣other states to learn from our approach.



**Archyde Editor:** we often hear ⁣discussions about the stigma surrounding mental health. Do you believe this program can contribute to destigmatizing seeking help?



**Kelly‍ Crosbie:** Definitely. By​ providing accessible and compassionate transportation options,we aim to⁣ remove barriers and encourage individuals to seek the care⁣ they need without fear or shame.



**Archyde Editor:** ⁤ Kelly Crosbie, thank you for shedding light on this crucial initiative.



What are your thoughts on this program?‍ Do you believe similar models shoudl be implemented nationwide? Share your perspectives in the comments below.

## A More Humane Approach: Examining North Carolina’s Groundbreaking $20 Million Investment



**Archyde Editor:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today,we’re diving deep into North carolina’s bold initiative to address the critical need for compassionate mental health crisis care. Joining us is Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. Welcome, Kelly.



**Kelly Crosbie:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde Editor:** North Carolina has allocated $20 million for non-law enforcement transportation for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Can you elaborate on the rationale behind this groundbreaking decision and the intended impact of this program?



**Kelly Crosbie:** Absolutely. For too long, law enforcement has been the default response to mental health crises, which often leads to unneeded trauma and can be a deterrent for individuals seeking help. This $20 million investment recognizes the need for a more humane and effective approach.



Our goal is to ensure people in crisis recieve safe, compassionate transportation to the care they need, whether that’s a residential treatment facility or inpatient care.We want to remove the stigma associated with seeking help and encourage individuals to reach out when they are struggling.





**Archyde Editor:** This initiative emphasizes “trauma-informed transportation.” Can you explain what that means in practice and how it will benefit individuals experiencing a mental health crisis?



**Kelly Crosbie:** “Trauma-informed” means understanding the profound impact trauma can have on individuals and recognizing that conventional approaches might be counterproductive. This program will prioritize empathy, de-escalation techniques, and a safe habitat during transportation.





We’ll be partnering with qualified vendors who are specifically trained in interacting with individuals in crisis and ensuring their well-being throughout the process.



**Archyde Editor:** This $20 million initiative is part of a larger, $835 million investment in transforming North Carolina’s behavioral health system. Can you shed light on some of the other key goals and strategies within this broader plan?



**kelly Crosbie:** This is a comprehensive effort to revamp our entire system.Beyond transportation,our focus includes building a robust crisis response network that offers immediate support,reducing wait times in emergency departments for mental health treatment,and expanding access to diverse care options across the state.



The ultimate aim is to create a system that is more responsive, accessible, and supportive for all North Carolinians in need of mental health services.



**Archyde Editor:** How will the program be implemented? will it be available statewide immediatly, or will it be rolled out in phases?



**kelly crosbie:** initially, we will be focusing on two regions of the state through a competitive request for proposal process.Qualified transportation vendors are encouraged to apply for funding through the NC Department of Health and Human Services website.





Our long-term goal is to expand the program statewide, ensuring all North Carolinians have access to this vital service.



**Archyde Editor:** Kelly crosbie, thank you for providing such valuable insights into this vital initiative.Your work is truly paving the way for a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health crisis care in North Carolina.



**Kelly Crosbie:** Thank you.