North Carolina Unveils Dashboard On Peer Warmline Success For Mental Health Awareness Month

(WCTI 12, Alberto Cardoso) — On Thursday, May 8, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a new dashboard highlighting the success of North Carolina’s Peer Warmline, a free resource for people experiencing emotional difficulty, mental health issues, substance use challenges, or for those who just need to talk with someone who understands what they are going through.

Since it’s launch, officials say, warmline counselors have received more than 67,000 calls, and in a recent survey, 99% of callers who’ve responded have expressed satisfaction with the support they received. The launch of this dashboard coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

“Mental Health matters to all of us, and we are committed to ensuring everyone who needs care can access that care when they need it and in the setting that is most appropriate for them,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “For many, having the opportunity to speak with a Peer Support Specialist is critical in their wellness journey, and these numbers show how effective this resource is in North Carolina.”

The NCDHHS released the following:

The dashboard provides a snapshot of how many people call the line, the general reason they called, how long they spent on the line and how satisfied they were with the support they received. Support from others with lived experience has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The North Carolina Warmline is available 24/7 by calling 855-PEERS-NC (855-733-7762) or calling the North Carolina 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and asking to be transferred. 988 is available to anyone who needs crisis support for themselves or a loved one. North Carolina’s 988 dashboard shows more than 134,000 calls in the past year with calls answered within 14 seconds on average. These are two of many resources available in North Carolina if you or someone you know needs mental health care.

“When someone we love is struggling, we want them to have support that is accessible, compassionate, and effective,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “The Peer Warmline offers people a chance to connect with someone who truly understands – someone who’s been there. This new dashboard shows us just how valued that support is, with a 99% satisfaction rate among tens of thousands of callers. It’s one more way we’re working to build a behavioral health system that meets people where they are, whenever they need it.”

Community crisis centers are another key feature of the state’s behavioral health system, offering safe places where individuals can get help without going to the emergency room. These centers are one of several options if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. They offer immediate help with mental health needs and treatment for alcohol or drugs. Most are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and don’t require appointments or insurance. Visit the NCDHHS website for crisis services to find a location near you.

If you are struggling and need someone to listen and understand your situation, a mobile crisis team can also come to you. The team is made up of one or two helpful and caring counselors who can meet you at your home, school or somewhere you feel safe. NCDHHS has a list of mobile crisis teams you can call 24/7 across North Carolina.

To support youth across North Carolina, NCDHHS partnered with Somethings.com to offer a free mental health peer mentorship program for all teens struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders or other emotional trauma. The digital service connects teens with mentors and clinical providers who are trained to offer social and emotional support. Users can talk or text with their mentors through the Somethings app whenever it works for them. Somethings says 77% of users have reported that their services have been more effective than traditional therapy.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available any time, 24/7. You can call or text 988 or use the chat function at 988Lifeline.org. Individuals who speak Spanish can connect directly to Spanish-speaking crisis counselors by calling 988 and pressing option 2, by texting “AYUDA” to 988, or by chatting online at 988lineadevida.org or 988Lifeline.org. Trained counselors are also available for veterans and members of the LBGTQI+ community.

The NC Recovery Helpline is dedicated to advocating for, connecting with and educating North Carolina citizens seeking help for themselves or a loved one struggling with substance use and/or mental health. Individuals can reach the Recovery Helpline via phone (1.800.688.4232), text (919.703.1872), email (help4recovery.org), or chat.

Additionally, NCDHHS has a wealth of suicide prevention resources for people struggling with their mental health, providers treating people in need of mental health care and communities impacted by suicide.