Mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare. The two are closely connected – mental health is a major factor in people’s ability to enjoy good physical health and reach their full potential in life.

More than 450,000 adults and young adults in North Carolina have a serious mental illness, and an additional 500,000 adults and 141,000 young adults have a substance abuse disorder.

Hospitals across the state are innovating to bring high quality mental healthcare to more North Carolinians, even as many areas face shortages in behavioral health specialists, like psychiatrists, and inpatient mental health beds for those in crises.

Below, find three ways North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems are improving mental health for all.