North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has signed Executive Order No. 33 to enhance coordination and services for individuals in crisis, addressing the intersection of behavioral health and law enforcement, according to a report from the Governor’s office. The initiative involves key officials, including NCDHHS Director Kelly Crosbie and Secretaries Jeff Smythe and Leslie Dismukes, who oversee Public Safety and Adult Correction, along with other state public service leaders.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of the order, noting that delays in helping individuals in crisis can have serious consequences. The order outlines measures to strengthen responses to people in crisis and improve behavioral health and public safety systems. Its initiatives include supporting the workforce, enhancing crisis response systems, addressing involuntary commitment, providing behavioral health treatment for incarcerated individuals, assisting youth in the juvenile justice system, and expanding reentry support for those with mental health needs, according to the Office of the Governor.
North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai highlighted the need for proper care for individuals in crisis, noting the importance of improving access, strengthening the mental health workforce, and coordinating across systems to provide timely treatment and prevent escalation. Secretary of Public Safety Jeff Smythe added that the order aims to enhance collaboration, enabling officers and behavioral health professionals to respond to crises more effectively and safely.
Secretary of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes described the order as a tool to support correctional staff working with individuals who have complex behavioral health needs. Along with State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer, she plans to enhance support for current personnel while recruiting additional staff to strengthen these systems, Dismukes told Governor.nc.gov. In parallel, Governor Stein has been meeting with advocates and providers at locations including RHA Health Services’ Alamance County Behavioral Health Center, promoting continued investment in mental health services at the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police annual training conference, and urging legislative action on a $195 million public safety proposal. This initiative builds on last year’s $835 million biennium budget aimed at expanding behavioral health programs statewide.
