Governor Stein and WakeMed Launch New Mental Health Campus in NC

In a significant step towards enhancing mental health services in North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein and officials from WakeMed recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new health campus in Garner. This facility aims to provide comprehensive mental health care, reflecting a growing commitment to improving access and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

New Facility to Address Mental Health Needs

The new campus will feature a 150-bed mental health facility and a 45-bed acute care hospital, designed to cater to the increasing demand for mental health resources across the state. According to a statement from the Governor’s office, the facility will serve as a “sanctuary for whole-person care,” emphasizing the importance of addressing both mental and physical health needs.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Stein highlighted the connection between mental health and community safety, stating, “A healthier North Carolina is a safer North Carolina, and WakeMed’s whole-person health campus will support the state’s growing need for mental health services.” His remarks underline the administration’s commitment to tackling mental health issues head-on.

Donald Gintzig, President and CEO of WakeMed, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, describing the initiative as a transformative approach to care. He noted that this new campus will not only provide essential mental health services but also work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Financial Support and Future Plans

The construction of the new campus is backed by a substantial investment of $6 million from both Wake County and the area’s Congressional delegation, along with additional funding from the WakeMed Foundation. Once completed, the 53-acre site will include an emergency department operating 24/7, a wide range of diagnostic services, and therapeutic facilities that offer art and music therapy.

In addition to the new infrastructure, the North Carolina biennium budget for 2023-2025 marked a historic investment in behavioral health, allocating a record $835 million to support various initiatives. This funding will help establish mobile crisis teams, crisis receiving teams, and stabilization beds specifically for children, aiming to provide immediate support to those in need.

Governor Stein is urging the General Assembly to maintain this momentum, emphasizing the necessity of continued investment in the state’s behavioral health framework. His call to action reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that mental health resources are accessible to all North Carolinians.

The new campus represents a crucial development in the ongoing effort to address mental health care in North Carolina, with the potential to provide vital services and support for individuals and families across the region.