RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Four substance abuse programs will share nearly $1 million for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 fiscal years, thanks to funding from the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services. The funding is a combination of federal block grants and state funds.

These grants are awarded as part of the N.C. Crisis Solutions Initiative, a statewide effort under the leadership of DHHS Secretary Aldona Wos, M.D., to identify and implement the best known strategies for mental health and substance abuse crisis care while reducing avoidable visits to emergency departments, according to an agency news release.

The recipients:

 --- Smoky Mountain Center in Asheville, with RHA Behavioral Health, will develop a 24-hour Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center to serve adults and children, and a co-located 16-bed crisis unit for adults. An array of outpatient services and other community supports will also be provided in a comprehensive care center.

-- Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions in Charlotte, with Monarch, will develop the state’s first 16-bed crisis facility for children and adolescents.
    
-- CenterPoint Human Services in Winston-Salem, with Monarch, will develop a 24-hour Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center for adults and children, and a co-located 16-bed crisis unit for adults.
    
-- Eastpointe in Lumberton, with Monarch, will renovate and expand an existing 11-bed facility, adding five beds while increasing safety and security measures for adults, and develop a co-located Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center.