The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is now receiving phone calls. Text and chat service continues uninterrupted.

Eight organizations across the state will now be able to increase their recovery services, supports and accessibility for individuals with substance use disorders.

In response to rising mental health needs, another resource is available to behavioral health patients at emergency departments across the state.

Starting Saturday, people in mental health crisis can dial 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and get immediately connected to trained crisis counselors 24/7. The new three-digit number provides a faster, easier way to get the help already available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

People combatting opioid use disorder in Western North Carolina are gaining expanded access to lifesaving outpatient services. Beginning July 1, Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center will add additional services to its existing outpatient program. With financial support from and a partnership with Dogwood Health Trust, many individuals who receive inpatient treatment will now gain access to effective, evidence-based Medication Assisted Treatment, housing assistance and outpatient treatment and support services.

People struggling with Opioid Use Disorder will have better access to more treatment options because of funding awarded by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Nearly $16,000,000 across 20 health care centers, treatment clinics and community-based providers will be used across the state to expand evidence-based treatment services, as well as employment, housing and transportation supports through innovative pilot programs to better help treat individuals and support them in their recovery.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released two funding opportunities to award a total of $6,000,000 for tuition scholarships to improve behavioral health outcomes and substance use disorder treatment across the state. 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a new funding opportunity to create collegiate recovery programs that increase access to healthy and supportive environments in colleges and universities for those who are in addiction recovery.