NC Dept. of Health receives nearly $7 million to improve mental health services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) received nearly $7 million in federal grants to improve crisis support in the state. 

2026-09-14

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) gave the state three grants to improve the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, enhance mobile crisis teams, and provide treatment for pregnant and postpartum women experiencing substance abuse issues. 

The demand for suicide and overdose hotlines has grown in recent years. NCDHHS will use the funding to expand crisis services for more people. They will focus on connecting 911 calls with appropriate mobile crisis response teams. 

"The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a critical resource for someone experiencing a mental health crisis," said NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai. "A recent study shows that almost 88% of people who expressed suicidal thoughts and call 988 credited the service with saving their life." 

The lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, text, and chat. The resource connects people with trained crisis counselors in their time of need. 

Over $1 million was provided to strengthen and expand maternal mental health services for pregnant women, mothers, and their families. 

NCDHHS said they are committed to improving the crisis system of care in North Carolina.