Mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to his or her community” (World Health Organization, 2019).  Such definitions underscore the importance of mental health and its relationship to a fundamental sense of well-being, meaning and resiliency. The term “Behavioral Health” is often used to describe the connection between our behaviors and this sense of well-being.  

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018), half of people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their life. Despite that, it is estimated that only about half will get the treatment they need (National Institutes of Mental Health, 2018). The prevalence of substance use disorders is also a concern at the national, state and local levels. Opioid use disorders have become especially problematic, leading to an increase in emergency department visits and overdose deaths. Despite effective treatments being available, people often don’t get the treatment they need. Mental and substance use disorders are also linked to other health concerns.  

If we are successful in fully achieving this result for Behavioral Health and Opioid Misuse, we envision a Guilford County where all Guilford County children, adults and families: 

• Live free of stigma associated with mental health diagnoses or substance use issues.

• Develop and maintain strong social support.

• Have access to high quality behavioral health interventions, including the integration of mental health care in primary and emergency care.

• Can readily access effective prevention, treatment and recovery programs for mental health and substance dependence.