Leaders Join for Inaugural Meeting of Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use
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Leaders from the across the state gathered for the first meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use on Tuesday at N.C. State's McKimmon Center. The Task Force met for three hours to begin addressing the problems of mental health and substance use among adults and youth in North Carolina.
Chief Justice Mark Martin and DHHS Secretary Rick Brajer serve as co-chairs of the Task Force and led the meeting along with Governor Pat McCrory. Judicial Branch leaders joined members from the Executive and Legislative branches, as well as stakeholders from related private sector providers, local government leadership, and non-governmental entities.
"I am confident that these judicial officials and leaders in mental health will provide significant contributions to the Task Force, ensuring that North Carolina puts forward its best efforts toward ensuring effective and efficient treatment and services to protect vulnerable citizens while reducing crime and strengthening communities," said Chief Justice Martin.
In addition to the Chief Justice, judicial members of the Task Force include Supreme Court Associate Justice Sam Ervin IV, Court of Appeals Judge Donna Stroud, and Chief District Court Judge Joseph Buckner (District 15B). Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman serves as a liaison to the Task Force, and AOC Deputy Director of Program Services McKinley Wooten will serve as a special advisor.
Additional appointees by Chief Justice Martin include William Lassiter, Dr. Mike Lancaster, Katherine Peppers, Deborrah Newton, and Greta Metcalf (liaison, Governor's Task Force on Safer Schools).
The Task Force has formed three smaller workgroups to focus on different topics: children, youth and families; adults; and prescription opioid abuse, heroin resurgence, and special topics. The workgroups will meet separately in between the full Task Force meetings.
The Task Force will make findings and strategic recommendations to Governor McCrory by May 1, 2016, with the aim of improving the lives of individuals and families affected by these issues. Find more information and the full membership of the Task Force in the following related links.