Local leaders and community members will come together this month to help move Wake County’s behavioral health efforts forward. The Behavioral Health Summit, which will be virtual this year, takes place from noon–2 p.m. on March 24–26.
“The behavioral health of Wake County’s residents is a core priority for the Wake County Board of Commissioners,” said Commissioner Maria Cervania. “This summit will bring people together to work toward a shared vision to guide our efforts in the years ahead.”
The Behavioral Health Summit is expected to draw about 150 people to learn about efforts to address mental health issues in Wake County, identify solutions and prioritize next steps for our community. The summit will include an engaging mix of content, including:
- Remarks from keynote speaker Kody Kinsley, NC Department of Health and Human Services deputy secretary for Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities;
- Video presentations from community members who have experienced behavioral health issues;
- Breakout sessions on crisis management, criminal justice, access and coordination, housing and familiar faces; and
- Conversations on how to address these important topics.
The 2019–2020 Wake County Behavioral Health Plan, completed in September 2018, articulates a vision for behavioral health in Wake County. County leaders will use the learnings and outcomes of the 2021 summit to develop an updated Wake County Behavioral Health Plan for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.
The Behavioral Health Summit is hosted by Wake County and the Wake Directors, an interagency collaboration of leaders with representatives from social services, education, the justice system, physical and behavioral health care, and local government who are committed to improving the lives of individuals interacting with the behavioral health system in Wake County.
Learn more and register at wakegov.com/bhs. Reporters who want to attend can register using the same link.
