Mental Health Equity Program

Overview

Established in 2021, the Mental Health Equity Program’s (MHEP) initiatives aim to achieve and sustain equity in access, engagement, and delivery of inclusive mental health care services for all North Carolinians. 

Our Vision

We envision equitable access to quality mental healthcare that leads to positive health outcomes for all people. 

Our Mission

To reduce mental health disparities by improving mental health equity education of clinicians, developing a workforce with varied lived experiences, and increasing engagement with North Carolina communities. 

Our Strategic Framework

Developing Mental and Behavioral Health Career Pathways 

Increasing entrance and retention of learners in the various professional career pathways for mental and behavioral health. 

Enhancing Mental Health Equity Education 

Providing faculty, staff, and learners foundational education on factors impacting mental health equity and strategies to mitigate their impact on outcomes. 

Engaging and Collaborating with Local Communities 

Engaging in efforts that center the perspectives of patients and local NC communities and collaborating with community members to improve mental healthcare access and outcomes. 

Fostering a Culture of Belonging 

Developing a culture that fosters an environment of teammates and stakeholders (i.e., patients, caregivers, community members, research participants) who feel safe, included, and valued. 

Learn More

To learn more about our work, please click on the tabs on the left to learn more about our featured past and current projects.