February 8, 2010

North Carolina DHHS Analysis of Service Gaps in the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, & Substance Abuse Service System

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released this report for the state legislature. The report summarizes the service gaps and priorities identified by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse (MH/DD/SA) Services the Local Management Entities (LMEs), and other local and state partners, including Consumer and Family Advisory Committees, NC Institute of Medicine task forces, and MH/DD/SA advocacy groups. The service gaps and needs that these stakeholders identified fall into six main themes:

• Long Term Supports for Independence and Recovery, including emergency services, affordable medications, primary health care, and other supports for community living

• Quality and Accountability, including the use of evidence-based practices

• Workforce Development, including provider trainings in core and specialty areas and residency rotations in substance abuse and developmental disabilities

• Expansion of Services, particularly for rural areas, dual disability services, and community inpatient services

• Services for Vulnerable Populations, including deaf persons, persons undergoing transitions, high-risk youth and persons with chronic illnesses and justice system involvement

• Leadership and System Management, including state and local disability-specific specialists, interagency collaboration, and cooperation