Overview

In 2001, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation that would dramatically change the delivery of publicly funded mental health care over a five-year period. The State Plan 2002: A Blueprint for Change, the first overhaul of the state service system since 1974, was prepared by the NC Department of Health & Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services to define how the law would be implemented. The State revises its plan each year.

Chief among the changes is Guilford Center’s role in mental health care provision. The Center, like other Area Programs throughout the state, has been designated as a Local Management Entity. That means that we now serve primarily as a Manager of Services rather than a direct Provider of Services.

Guilford Center continues to provide crisis/emergency, psychiatric and medication management services. By calling our 24-hour, 7 day ACCESS to Care line at 1.800.853.5163, consumers can talk with a mental health professional to determine the type and level of services they need. ACCESS staff members help connect consumers to the appropriate services, which are either offered at one of Guilford Center’s locations or through one of our contract providers.

Link to Services

Since Summer 2002, Guilford Center has worked with consumers, families, community partners and others concerned with mental health care in our community. Agency officials, with assistance from our Consumer & Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) and the Center’s Board, prepared a Local Business Plan showing how the agency plans to meet Mental Health Reform requirements. A quarterly report is prepared and submitted to the state each quarter.

Link to LME Business Plan for 2007-2010

Link to the NC Strategic Plan 2007-2010

Link to the Guilford Center's Executive Summary November 2007