Durham Reporter

CaroNova, in collaboration with various partners, has announced the creation of a significant initiative aimed at enhancing access to behavioral health services for youth across North Carolina. The project, named Changing Minds: The North Carolina Youth Behavioral Health Action Plan, seeks to unite state leaders, experts, philanthropic funders, and other stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive strategy for delivering mental health services more effectively.

CaroNova emphasizes the importance of treating mental health on par with physical health through preventive measures that address symptoms early. This approach is crucial given the alarming rise in youth depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts over the past decade. In North Carolina specifically, access to timely and appropriate care remains inadequate.

The state ranks 44th in terms of access to youth mental health services. Data from 2021 shows that only 13.7 percent of children aged 3-17 received mental health care despite 39 percent of high school students reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness (32 percent among middle school students). Additionally, nearly half (47.2 percent) of children experiencing major depressive episodes did not receive necessary mental health services.

This pressing issue calls for coordinated efforts from both public and private sectors to create an actionable plan for improving youth access to mental health resources. Changing Minds will engage stakeholders in identifying gaps and opportunities within youth behavioral health services (ages 5-21) and propose recommendations for improvement. The action plan will cover statewide standards of care, policy changes by representative groups, and optimization of funding sources including state, federal, philanthropic contributions, and reimbursements.

Julia Beck, President of CaroNova stated: “We are thrilled to bring together such a distinguished group of legislators, experts, and advocates for this critical conversation.” She added that their goal is "to raise awareness, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and empower our youth with the resources and support they need to thrive."

Through collaborative efforts involving schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, CaroNova aims to normalize mental wellness among all young people. The Changing Minds initiative marks a significant step towards achieving this objective.