RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — In a move to bolster North Carolina’s behavioral health and criminal justice systems, Gov. Josh Stein signed an Executive Order Thursday, aiming to enhance coordination and service delivery across the state.
The order mandates several cabinet agencies to take action, focusing on improving public safety and behavioral health care.
“People in crisis need care – plain and simple,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai.
The executive order targets key areas such as supporting the behavioral health and public safety workforce, strengthening the crisis system, and improving the involuntary commitment process.
It also emphasizes better treatment for incarcerated individuals, support for young people in the juvenile justice system, and improved reentry supports for those with mental health needs.
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Gov. Stein was joined by a host of officials, including Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services; Secretary of Public Safety Jeff Smythe; Secretary of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes; and Director of State Human Resources Staci Meyer.
“This executive order strengthens coordination between public safety and behavioral health professionals,” said Smythe, highlighting the importance of reducing dangerous situations and easing the strain on law enforcement officers.
The executive order follows Gov. Stein’s recent visits to behavioral health centers across the state, including RHA Health Services’ Alamance County Behavioral Health Center in Burlington. These visits underscore his commitment to strengthening mental health care statewide. Last year, Stein formed a Gang Violence Prevention and Intervention Task Force to address crime’s root causes.
North Carolina’s 2023-2025 biennium budget reflects this commitment with a historic $835 million investment in behavioral health.
This funding expands mobile crisis response, crisis stabilization services for children, and diversion and re-entry programs for justice-involved individuals.
Gov. Stein continues to urge the General Assembly to act on his $195 million public safety proposal, fully fund Medicaid, and restore mental health funding for inpatient and crisis care.