Real‑time crisis dispatch pilot launches in 10 eastern NC counties

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced a new real time dispatch system designed to get trained mobile crisis teams to people in mental health emergencies faster and more efficiently.

The MC Dispatch pilot is now live in 10 eastern counties: Duplin, Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Sampson, Warren, Wayne and Wilson.

State leaders say the system will expand to 27 counties by the end of April and eventually go statewide.

When someone calls the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline experiencing a mental health crisis that requires Mobile Crisis response within the pilot region, MC Dispatch will either send a mobile crisis team or connect the caller with a provider and other local resources.

Officials say the platform is built to reduce response times, decrease the need for law enforcement involvement, and improve coordination across agencies.

The pilot is part of last year's $835 million investment from the General Assembly to expand mental health services statewide.

SEE ALSO: Stein announces $40 million in recovery, mitigation grants for Western North Carolina