Mental health for youth is statewide issue
Feb. 1—Providing mental health care to young adults among the major issues facing North Carolina, a state legislator said Thursday.
That's what Sen. Jim Burgin told the Lee County Commissioners when he met with the board at its retreat.
Burgin, a Republican, represents District 12 which consists of Lee, Harnett and Johnston counties.
Mental health has become a priority across the state, but it's dealing with youth that become a major concern.
"The real problem is with children," Burgin said. "Since COVID-19, we've seen a 50% increase in children with mental needs."
Substance abuse also accounts for much behavioral care, he said, noting that 75% of people using drugs have underlying mental health issues.
One of the biggest challenges is creating facilities where those needing help can go, Burgin said.
"Over 400 North Carolina kids are out of state getting mental health care," he said.
Officials recently opened a 54-bed mental health facility to house those who have gone through the commitment process, but it's nearing capacity.
"Every state has the same problem," Burgin said.
While mental health needs pose challenges, industrial and business growth is doing well.
"North Carolina is at the top of everybody's list for growth," he said. "What we have to do is to prepare."
He commended the creation of Central Carolina Community College's E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center. The center will provide biogenic and technology training to equip the growing industries in Lee and surrounding counties.
Rep. John Sauls, a Republican, also attended the meeting and provided a brief update on developments in the House of Representatives where he represents Lee and Moore counties.
The increasing recruitment of businesses and industries is "just flooding us in here," he said.
Sauls referred to $46 million he secured to help expand the City of Sanford's Water Plant; $100,000 for restoration of the Railroad House and $500,000 for renovations at The Railroad Depot.
