In Wake County alone, more than 65,000 people suffer from serious mental illness. Families, friends and communities are also affected.
May is National Mental Awareness Month and UNC Health Care and UNC REX Healthcare continue to lead the way with mental and behavioral health initiatives in Wake County.
UNC WakeBrook, a behavioral health facility located in Raleigh, offers a continuum of services for people dealing with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
WakeBrook’s campus, at 107 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh, provides a wide range of services for patients: crisis and assessment services, inpatient services, facility-based crisis services, alcohol and drug detoxification and primary care. Our leadership continues to work with Alliance Behavioral Health and representatives from area hospital emergency departments, crisis centers and other mental health providers to better serve the growing number of behavioral health patients in Emergency Departments. Some behavioral health patients have a multitude of additional needs, and are often in crisis.
One of Wake County’s strongest advocates is the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) of Wake County. Its leaders Gerry and Ann Akland continue to shine the spotlight on mental and behavioral health needs. Last week, NAMI hosted its 10th Annual Celebration of Courage luncheon as well as a Gala of Hope and Courage. These events offer other advocates, health providers and loved ones an outlet of support and hope, and help to raise crucial funding. NAMI works diligently to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. ‘No blame, no shame,’ is a common, heart-felt phrase echoed by advocates. NAMI’s continued support offers education, awareness and hope to those who struggle with mental illness.
A visual reminder of Irises, the flower symbol for mental health awareness, graced UNC REX’s front lawn last week.
Our commitment to providing access to the health care services those with mental illness need continues. In addition to WakeBrook opening an on-site primary care and dental clinic in last year, which has helped provide behavioral health patients with basic medical and preventative care, additional beds are set to open this summer.