RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has received three federal grants totaling nearly $7 million to expand 988 response, mobile crisis services and addiction treatment.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded $5.2 million to improve responses to calls, chats and texts to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and strengthen service for people at high risk of suicide or overdose.
A second $750,000 grant will enhance mobile crisis teams serving Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton counties. NCDHHS said the project will better connect the teams with magistrates, law enforcement, emergency medical services and community partners.
Between July 2025 and June 2026, three of 307 mobile crisis responses in those four counties originated from magistrate referrals, according to NCDHHS. The grant includes training on crisis de-escalation, suicide prevention, overdose response and dispatch procedures.
The third grant, totaling $1.08 million, will support integrated substance-use disorder and maternal mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women and their families. The nonresidential program will include screening, treatment, recovery support and workforce development.
NCDHHS said it also plans to use the funding to expand capacity for rising 988 demand and improve referral pathways among 988, 911 and mobile crisis services. The 988 line is available around the clock by phone, text and online chat.