Governor Josh Stein visited The Smith Family Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) in Charlotte to emphasize the need for increased access to mental health services across North Carolina. During his visit, he highlighted the role of facilities like the Smith Family BHUC in providing immediate care for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
“Too often, people in crisis and their families have nowhere to turn,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Facilities like this one are critical to making sure people receive care and are treated with dignity and compassion. As a state, we must build well-functioning mental health care system that keeps people healthy and safe, and the Smith Family BHUC is a great example.”
Michelle Hunt, Executive Director of the Steve Smith Foundation, commented on the urgency of behavioral health support in the community. “When people are in crisis, they need a place they can turn to—any time of day—regardless of whether they have insurance, and with the assurance that they will be seen,” Hunt said. “With limited resources available, our community is in urgent need of mental health and substance use support. I’m proud that the Steve Smith Foundation is helping expand access to reliable behavioral health care for everyone in our community; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.”
The Smith Family Foundation was established by former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith and his family. The foundation opened its Behavioral Health Urgent Care center in 2023 to provide crisis counseling, diagnoses, referrals, and outpatient support for those needing immediate assistance. The facility serves as an alternative to emergency rooms or incarceration for individuals facing mental health or substance use emergencies.
North Carolina’s biennium budget for 2023-2025 allocated $835 million toward behavioral health initiatives. This funding supports mobile crisis teams, crisis receiving teams, beds for children requiring stabilization during crises, as well as programs focused on re-entry into society and diversion from jail or prison for justice-involved individuals.
Governor Stein urged members of the General Assembly to maintain their commitment to investing in behavioral health infrastructure so progress can continue. He stated his ongoing commitment to developing a system focused on early intervention and expanded access while enhancing public safety through treatment rather than neglect.
He also reiterated his call for lawmakers to ensure Medicaid funding continues so North Carolinians retain access not only to physical but also mental health services.
