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New online tool could help behavioral health patients find care more quickly

One in five people in North Carolina are currently experiencing a behavioral health issue. A new online tool could help them find care more quickly.

Posted Updated

By
Monica Casey
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Doctors say the number of people needing behavioral health care is on the rise. One in five people in North Carolina are currently experiencing a behavioral health issue.

The state has a new online tool to get patients where they need to be – and reduce wait times in the emergency department.

"I think we've seen unprecedented numbers in our emergency room over the last several months of people needing help," says UNC's Dr. Kenan Penaskovic. who is in charge of a unit helping people with serious mental illnesses. "A lot more depression and anxiety is what we've been seeing."

On average statewide, there are 350 adults and children waiting in emergency rooms for an available behavioral health bed.

The state developed BH Scan – a centralized online bed registry, showing where spots are available. It eliminates the need for hospitals to call around, searching for a spot, according to Kelly Crosbie, Director of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health.

"It really helps with administrative burden," says Crosbie.

Crosbie says it also streamlines the admittance process.

"It has the potential to get people out of the hospital a lot quicker," says Crobie.

The state also has access to the registry for long-term planning.

"We see where we have ongoing holes, ongoing extra access, and it helps us plan a little bit better," says Crosbie.

Penaskovic tells WRAL News this will connect people to care more quickly.

He believes the state needs more beds as a whole.

"We are seeing surges of people needing help, and we're thrilled that the state is wanting to invest and do something about it," he says.

About 100 hospitals and facilities are already on this registry – including Duke, WakeMed and UNC – and the state is hoping to expand it to include more groups.

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