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Your monthly resource for news and information about behavioral health and intellectual/ developmental disabilities in western North Carolina and beyond
200 Ridgefield Court, Suite 206, Asheville, NC 28806 | 828-225-2785
24-hour Access to Services: 1-800-849-6127 | www.smokymountaincenter.com
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Carolina HealthTEC Live: Professionals converge in Asheville for Smoky-sponsored conference, expo 
The renowned author Dr. Gabor Maté was first diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an adult. Later, his children were diagnosed.
Maté, keynote speaker at Carolina HealthTEC Live Friday in Asheville, agrees ADHD can be inherited - but inherited through exposure to stress in utero and early childhood - not through genes.
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CEO spotlight with Smoky CEO Brian Ingraham
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Raleigh, these days, is a very busy place. The hub of activity is the state Legislature, where the 2016 "short session" is in full swing. We're watching closely as progress is made toward a final budget and other health-related bills. Here's a sampling of what's caught our attention:
Access to naloxone: We're excited to see legislators throw their support behind a Senate bill that would make naloxone, which reverses opioid drug overdoses, available to the public, without a prescription, at pharmacies.
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Smoky joins state in problem gambling campaign
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It's no surprise that uncontrollable problem gamblers may have other addictions or mental health concerns. The good news is that help is available. North Carolinians - especially young adults - are increasingly likely to encounter that message thanks to a partnership between Smoky and the N.C. Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.
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State task force: Programs, services needed to help those with mental illness, addiction
State task force recommendations to improve the lives of North Carolinians with mental illness or drug or alcohol issues received a warm welcome in May as N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Rick Brajer presented the committee's report to Gov. Pat McCrory. Smoky CEO Brian Ingraham served on the Governor's Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use and co-chaired a subcommittee.
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FROM THE DOCTOR with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Craig Martin
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We return to our work today with memories of time spent with family and friends and of appreciation for veterans especially in our hearts and minds on Memorial Day.
Driving to work this time of year on Interstate 40, I see poppies planted as part of highway beautification. I recall the poem "In Flanders Fields," memorized years ago: "In Flanders Fields the poppies grow, between the crosses, row on row ... "
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News roundup: Budget time, Cantrell bids farewell
In Raleigh, eyes are on the Senate as it prepares to release its budget. The House budget includes making the overdose-reversal drug naloxone available at pharmacies statewide and partially restores previously cut LME/MCO funding. Read more above. Also in May, Courtney Cantrell, Senior Director of the N.C. Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, announced she's leaving in June to join Care Management Technologies, a behavioral health analytics company. An interim director will serve during the search for a permanent replacement.
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AROUND THE WEB: NEWS & RESOURCES
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FDA approves first implant to treat opioid dependence
Obama, Macklemore take on opioid addiction
The rapper Macklemore joined President Barack Obama in May for a White House address on combating the opioid epidemic. Macklemore, who struggled with addiction in the past, and Obama called for ending shame and increasing resources. Watch the video online.
Advocate: State budget cuts hurt vulnerable Spending cuts for behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities hurt the state's most vulnerable residents, Mary Hooper, Executive Director of the N.C. Council of Community Programs, wrote in a News & Observer op-ed. Read more.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Madison County to address drug problem
A Madison County town hall on June 21 will feature a discussion on local prescription drug and heroin use. The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at A-B Tech Madison, 4646 Highway 25-70 in Marshall.
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Need services or help in a crisis?
Need information about services or help in a behavioral health crisis? In western North Carolina, call Smoky toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
1-800-849-6127. (TTY: Relay NC 711). Our specialists are always available help you get you the assistance you need.
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Smoky Mountain MCO
200 Ridgefield Court, Suite 206, Asheville, NC 28806
Business calls: 828-586-5501 | 24-hour Access to Services: 1-800-849-6127
Smoky manages services for mental health, substance use disorder and intellectual/ developmental disabilities in the North Carolina counties of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.
News You Can Use | May 2016 | © Smoky Mountain MCO
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