Governor Stein signs executive order aimed at strengthening behavioral health, public safety systems
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order Thursday designed to improve how North Carolina responds to behavioral health crises and coordinates services across the state’s criminal justice and public safety systems.
Executive Order 33 directs multiple cabinet agencies to take action to strengthen collaboration between behavioral health providers, law enforcement, correctional systems and other state partners, according to the governor’s office.
“When people in crisis do not get help in time, the consequences can be tragic,” Stein said. “This executive order takes meaningful steps to improve how we respond when someone is in crisis and strengthen our behavioral health and public safety systems.”
Stein was joined at the signing by state health, public safety and correction leaders, along with lawmakers, law enforcement officials, behavioral health professionals and advocates.
Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said the order will help improve access to care, support the mental health workforce and prevent crises from escalating.
“People who are in crisis need care – plain and simple,” Sangvai said.
Public Safety Secretary Jeff Smythe noted that law enforcement officers are often the first to respond during mental health emergencies and said better coordination with behavioral health professionals can improve outcomes and reduce strain on officers.
Adult Correction Secretary Leslie Dismukes said the order also focuses on supporting correctional staff and addressing the behavioral health needs of incarcerated individuals.
State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer said agencies will work to strengthen recruitment and retention in both the criminal justice and behavioral health workforces.
The executive order outlines several priority areas, including:
- Supporting the behavioral health and public safety workforce
- Strengthening the state’s behavioral health crisis response system
- Improving the involuntary commitment process
- Expanding treatment options for incarcerated people
- Supporting youth in the juvenile justice system with behavioral health needs
- Improving reentry services for people with mental health challenges
The governor’s office said Stein has made behavioral health a focus in recent weeks, touring behavioral health urgent care centers across the state and meeting with providers and advocates.
NCDHHS has launched seven new behavioral health urgent care centers in the past 18 months, officials said.
