Poor mental health and the lack of resources to treat it burdens individuals and families. The expanding social and personal impact of substance use is clearly felt but treatment is often complex. Mental health issues and substance use can lead to increased intimate partner violence. All of the above accumulate in the lives of our citizens as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can increase the risk of health issues over a lifetime. Mental illness, substance misuse, domestic violence, and ACEs atrophy a community's ability to respond, withstand, and recover from adversity.

Yancey County, along with other rural communities, has limited access to mental health and substance use programs and services. Transportation barriers prevent community members from accessing care.