Raleigh February 15, 2022.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services encourages North Carolinians to seek mental health support through the 24/7 Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463). of the week by call, text or chat.
“The pandemic has led to nearly all North Carolinians experiencing stress, anxiety, loss and other threats to their mental health and well-being,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “No one should feel alone right now. Remember that speaking up and seeking help is an empowering first step toward recovery.”
The Hope4NC Helpline provides free and confidential emotional support and connects people with counseling referrals and community resources. Hope4NC can also help people without insurance find behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse services.
“Hope4NC Helpline services, along with other department efforts, are intentionally designed to provide better links to care and support for people with mental health needs, recognizing that unique challenges often exist in historically underserved communities.” said Victor Armstrong, NCDHHS. Director of Health Equity.
The Hope4NC Helpline offers emotional support and resources for everyone, including underserved populations, as part of these overall efforts. Assistance in Spanish is also available.
Rapsody, a North Carolina native and hip-hop artist, produced a video to help spread the word about Hope4NC. The NCDHHS team encourages people to watch the video and share it with others who may need encouragement.
“Seeking help for mental health issues is just as important as seeking help for physical health issues, and Hope4NC is here to help,” said Deepa Avula, Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services.
The Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) answers texts and calls day or night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Online chat is also available through the Hope4NC website . Additional resources and information on staying physically and mentally healthy can be found on the Wellness Resources webpage on the NCDHHS COVID-19 website: covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
The initial phase of the Hope4NC program was funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in coordination with the Center for Mental Health Services within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding for the ongoing helpline is through the SAMHSA Community Mental Health Services Block Grant.
