All Alamance County residents will have access to quality affordable mental health resources, services, and support.

Why Is This Important?

Mental health consistently ranks as the top health concern among Alamance County residents. Survey results indicate a persistent mismatch between the demand for mental health resources and their availability, with gaps in coverage and access reported by multiple subgroups across the county.

Stress and mental health conditions contribute to hospital admissions, workforce challenges, and diminished daily functioning for many residents. Youth are particularly vulnerable, with rising rates of hopelessness reported among high school students in national surveillance systems. (Local data for this is unavailable, but the latest data from the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey indicates that 46% of female high school students in NC report that their mental health is “most of the time or always not good.”) These findings highlight the urgent need for early intervention and accessible support systems in both community and school settings.

Increasing service capacity, enhancing provider networks, and addressing stigma are critical steps toward improving mental health outcomes. Expanding mental health resources and fostering community awareness could ensure that individuals and families receive the care they need to thrive.

When asked what health topics the community needs more education on, Alamance County respondents prioritized mental and behavioral health (203 responses), substance misuse prevention (117 responses), and nutrition (98 responses). Other topics of interest included weight management, exercise, elder care, preventive screenings, and parenting resources.