A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO PILOT COMMUNITY-BASED CRISIS INTERVENTION IN TWO EMERGENCY RESPONSE ZONES.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, the sum of two hundred eighty‑six thousand seven hundred twenty‑four dollars ($286,724) for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year.  These funds shall be used to implement phases 1 and 2 of a pilot program for community-based crisis intervention.  Phase 1 of the pilot program will serve Haywood, Cherokee, Clay, and Graham Counties.  Phase 2 of the pilot program will serve Jackson, Swain, and Macon Counties.  The goals of the program include the following:
(1)	Improve the quality and timeliness of care provided to consumers in crisis.
(2)	Intervene with consumers in crisis before they leave their home community.
(3)	Shift to an intervention model to more effectively assist consumers and families in crisis.
(4)	Continue reducing use of the State hospital.
(5)	Care for individuals in the local emergency department who cannot wait safely at the Balsam Center.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.