RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is calling for public feedback on its upcoming Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2026-2030). This initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to transform mental health care and address the ongoing mental health crisis affecting North Carolinians. The deadline for public comments is July 9, 2025.
A Collaborative Approach to Suicide Prevention
The Suicide Prevention Action Plan is a joint effort involving NCDHHS, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The plan emphasizes strategies such as building a statewide coordinated infrastructure, promoting safe storage practices for firearms and medications, expanding mental health training in non-traditional settings, and ensuring at-risk populations are effectively reached.
Prioritizing Care Before Crisis
“We have to ensure people receive care when they need it, before they reach a crisis, especially among groups that are more vulnerable, like our teenagers, young adults, and veterans,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “This collaborative effort is a step forward in creating a system that works for everyone and will have a lasting impact.”
The Urgency of Addressing Suicide in North Carolina
Suicide ranks among the top 10 causes of death for individuals aged 10-65 in North Carolina, according to data from the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics. It is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10-18 and the second for young adults aged 19-34.
Veterans are disproportionately affected, with data showing their suicide rate from 2018-2022 being 2.7 times higher than non-veterans in the state.
Inviting Public Feedback to Strengthen Mental Health Support
“Public input is essential to strengthening and shaping the continuum of mental health care in North Carolina,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “We want to meet people where they are—in schools and communities—to ensure the right care is available at the right time.”
Focused Efforts to Support Black Youth
NCDHHS is also collaborating with the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute, NC DPI, and Village of Care to develop North Carolina’s first strategic plan dedicated to preventing suicide among Black youth. The plan is driven by data revealing that Black individuals aged 10-24 are overrepresented in suicide-related emergency department visits.
Resources for Help and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, help is available. Resources on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website include information for social or family issues, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, substance use, and more.
The 988 Lifeline (available 24/7 via call, text, or chat) offers free, confidential support for anyone in crisis, including specialized resources for veterans, Spanish speakers, and LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
Additional support is available through the Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC, 855-733-7762), where individuals living in recovery with mental health or substance use challenges provide peer support.
NCDHHS also offers mobile crisis teams that can respond directly to communities and community crisis centers—safe spaces where individuals can receive care from licensed clinicians without needing to visit emergency rooms.
For more information or to submit feedback on the Suicide Prevention Action Plan, visit ncdhhs.gov.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services remains committed to improving mental health services and preventing suicide across the state.
