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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMH/DD/SUS

DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie Featured as Panelist on Governor's Institute Podcast

In March, DMHDDSUS partnered with the North Carolina Governor's Working Group and the Governor's Institute to host a summit on issues related to mental health and substance use services for North Carolina Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF).

In a panel entitled “Suicide Prevention in the SMVF Community,” Director Kelly Crosbie joined veterans who are working to prevent suicide. The panel had a frank and compelling discussion of how to overcome stigma and have those difficult and vital conversations.

Listen to the Podcast

Mental health is consistently among the top needs reported by SMVFs, along with essential health-related needs like employment, food, and housing. A recent report that DMHDDSUS released with NCServes found that during the pandemic there was a 248% increase in mental health crises among SMVFs. Resources are more important than ever.

On the podcast, Director Crosbie shares the crisis services available to the SMVF community and all North Carolinians, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (callers can press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line). In turn, 988 connects people to other resources, including mobile crisis units, behavioral health urgent cares and community crisis centers.

We appreciate the Governor’s Institute sharing this piece and helping spread the word about the resources available to the SMVF community. They deserve efficient, effective and accessible services that promote health and well-being.