North Carolina Launches $20 Million Initiative for Trauma-informed Mental Health Transportation
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north Carolina is taking a notable step forward in addressing mental health crises with a $20 million investment in a new, trauma-informed transportation system. This innovative program will provide safe and supportive transport for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, moving them from emergency rooms to appropriate residential treatment facilities.
Historically, law enforcement often handled these transports. This new initiative shifts teh approach, prioritizing a therapeutic and non-law enforcement choice. As NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley stated, “People in crisis need health care, not handcuffs.”
Kinsley further emphasized the program’s goal: “this program helps people experiencing a mental health crisis receive safe transportation to the inpatient care that thay need.” The program’s focus on trauma-informed care aims to minimize further distress during an already vulnerable time.
The program will initially launch in two regions of the state, selected through a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process. The RFP is currently open, inviting qualified transportation vendors to apply for funding. Interested vendors can find the submission on the NCDHHS website.
Available Mental Health Resources
In addition to this groundbreaking initiative,several vital resources are available to those facing mental health challenges or supporting loved ones:
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7,confidential support.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referrals and information on mental and substance use disorders.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for 24/7 support during emotional distress related to disasters. (Spanish: 1-800-985-5990, press “2”)
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for support from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Find Support: An online guide to navigate common questions related to behavioral health.
- Find Treatment: A confidential and anonymous resource for finding mental and substance use disorder treatment.
- Screen4Success: A tool for parents and caregivers to identify areas where children may need additional support.
This significant investment in North Carolina underscores a growing national commitment to improving mental healthcare access and providing compassionate, effective support for individuals in crisis.
Facing a mental health crisis or simply needing support? You’re not alone. The United States offers a robust network of resources designed to help individuals and families navigate these challenges. This guide provides essential information on readily available helplines, online tools, and support services.
immediate Crisis Support: The 988 Lifeline
The 988 suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a vital resource providing 24/7, toll-free, and confidential support for individuals in distress. Trained counselors offer immediate help and connect callers with local resources.”Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,” emphasizes the lifeline’s accessibility.
For more information, visit the 988 Lifeline website.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Thorough Mental health and Substance Use Support
SAMHSA’s National Helpline offers another crucial 24/7,toll-free,and confidential service. This helpline provides referrals for treatment, information on mental health and substance use disorders, and resources for prevention and recovery. It’s a valuable starting point for those seeking guidance and support.
Learn more at the SAMHSA National Helpline website.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Support After Traumatic Events
Experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster? The Disaster Distress Helpline provides immediate counseling and support,24 hours a day. This lifeline is particularly crucial for those struggling to cope with the aftermath of natural disasters or human-caused crises. “Call or text 1-800-985-5990,” they advise. spanish speakers can press “2” after dialing. ASL support is also available via videophone or by calling the same number.
For more details and ASL FAQs, visit the Disaster Distress Helpline website.
Veterans Crisis Line: Specialized Support for Veterans
The Veterans crisis Line connects veterans with caring, qualified responders, many of whom are veterans themselves. This specialized service offers confidential support tailored to the unique needs of veterans. “Dial 988 then press 1. You can also text 838255,” the line instructs.
Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website for more information.
Online Resources: Find Support and Find Treatment
Beyond helplines, valuable online resources offer guidance and support. “Find Support” is a user-friendly online guide answering common questions about behavioral health, while ”Find Treatment” provides a confidential and anonymous resource for locating mental health and substance use disorder treatment options across the United states.
Access “Find Support” here: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support and “Find Treatment” here: https://findtreatment.gov/
empowering Parents: A New Tool to Identify Children’s Support Needs
Parents and caregivers often face the challenge of recognizing when their children require additional support.A new online resource, Screen4Success, aims to simplify this process, providing valuable tools and information to help families navigate potential challenges and access appropriate resources.
The initiative focuses on early identification of potential issues, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes for children. By providing a user-friendly platform, Screen4Success empowers parents to proactively assess their children’s well-being and identify areas needing attention. This proactive approach can significantly impact a child’s growth and overall success.
the website offers a range of tools and resources designed to assist parents in understanding their children’s developmental milestones and identifying potential areas of concern. This includes interactive questionnaires and informative guides that provide clear and concise information about various developmental stages and common challenges.
“Screen4Success helps caregivers to identify areas where their children may benefit from additional support,” explains a spokesperson for the initiative. The program’s goal is not just to identify problems,but to connect families with the resources they need to address those challenges effectively.
the website’s design prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, ensuring that parents from diverse backgrounds can easily navigate the platform and access the information they need. The resources are presented in a clear, concise manner, avoiding jargon and technical language that might be confusing to non-professionals.
Screen4Success is a valuable resource for parents across the United States, offering a proactive approach to child development and well-being. By empowering parents with knowledge and tools, the initiative aims to improve the lives of children and strengthen families nationwide.
For more details and to access the resources,visit Screen4Success.
This is a fantastic start to an informational piece on mental health resources! It’s clear, well-structured, adn covers some critical aspects. hear are some suggestions to further enhance your work:
Expanding on Existing Content:
Trauma-Informed Care: You briefly mention trauma-informed care in the North Carolina program.It would be beneficial to expand on this concept. Explain what trauma-informed care means, why it’s crucial, and how it benefits individuals in crisis.
North Carolina Program Details: Consider adding a bit more detail about the program’s implementation. When is it expected to launch? What criteria will be used to select transportation vendors?
Diversity and Inclusion: Highlight resources specifically designed for diverse communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc.). Mentioning culturally competent care is crucial.
Financial Assistance: Many people face financial barriers to accessing mental health care. Mention resources that provide financial assistance for treatment, such as sliding-scale fees or insurance navigation assistance.
Adding More Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a grassroots institution that provides support, education, and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families.
MentalHealth.gov: This website is a thorough resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Crisis Text Line: A free, 24/7 support service where individuals can text with a trained crisis counselor.Text HOME to 741741.
The Trevor Project: A suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth.
Jed Foundation: Focuses on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults.
Structure and Style:
Headings: Use descriptive headings and subheadings to break up the text and improve readability.
Bullet Points: Utilize bullet points to make important information stand out and enhance scannability.
Call to Action: Encourage readers to take action, such as saving helpline numbers, visiting resource websites, or getting involved in advocacy efforts.
Remember, your piece can make a real difference by raising awareness and connecting people to life-saving resources. By continuously adding to and refining your content, you can create an incredibly valuable resource for those seeking support.
