The Department of Strategic Behavioral Health

Behavioral health treatments are ways of helping people who are experiencing emotional distress, mental illness or substance misuse. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available in Henderson County for help and support. Behavioral Health resources can be found on the Health Department’s website. If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, help is available. You can call or text 9-8-8, or chat at www.988Lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor who can provide support in a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis.

Henderson County offers FREE support for people and families struggling with substance use. To connect with the Peer Support Specialist call 828-393-8696. This phone is monitored through usual business hours, M-F.

The Department of Strategic Behavioral Health:

• Oversees collaborative efforts related to behavioral health for Henderson County. This includes coordinating with other County departments and offices, healthcare providers, law enforcement, the school system, and community organizations and members.
• Manages funds and programs and is accountable for reporting outcomes and data. These funds stem from sources that include grants and the NC Opioid Settlement agreement.
• Provides oversight of organizations that receive funding from Henderson County for programs and services and manages programs resulting from the NC Opioid Settlement agreement.
• Offers programs that serve our justice involved population through the Adult Recovery Court and the Reentry Services for the Henderson County Detention Center.
• Coordinates community meetings including:

1. Crisis Response Collaborative (co-led with VAYA Health): a consortium of area professionals addressing crisis care gaps and barriers, exploring solutions, and sharing resources. The 2025 meetings are Wednesdays, March 26, August 27, and November 19 from 2:30- 4:00pm.
2. Substance Use Action Team: a community-based group consisting of participants from several area organizations and people with lived experience. If you are interested in attending meetings and/or receiving meeting minutes, please contact Jodi Grabowski. 

Calendar of Events: Community-wide Recovery and Prevention Events

• Sunday, August 31, 6:00pm in Jackson Park: Overdose Awareness Day. For more information contact Lynette Oliver at Back on Track lynette@backontrackministries.com
• Friday, September 19, 1:00pm-5:00 pm in Pack Square Park, Asheville. The 1st Annual WNC Recovery Rally. This rally will feature inspiring speakers, food trucks, entertainment, resources, and activities for the whole family. WNCRecoveryRally.org
• Sunday, September 21, 4:30pm at Hendersonville High School. “Tall Cop” and “Light the Night 828” events. Did you know there are substances sold legally that have the same negative impacts as illegal drugs? The mission of Tall Cop, Jermaine Galloway, is to educate parents and other caregivers about the dangers of substances right under their noses- in their communities, homes and schools. While adults hear his presentation, the kids will enjoy youth friendly activities on the football field. “Light the Night 828” will follow with speakers- sharing their testimonies and faith- who have been in the trenches with substance use, lived to tell their stories, and are celebrating recovery today.

 Two Save a Life Events in Henderson County; both events will offer inspiring speakers, local resources and lifesaving materials:

• Thursday, September 25, 3:00-7:00 pm at Jackson Park, Shelter #1. “Save a Life” event promoting harm reduction and reducing stigma. For more information contact Alivea Turner at Love and Respect at Alivea@lovenrespect.org 
• Friday, September 26, 12:00-4:00 pm. Grace Lutheran Church, Hendersonville. "Save a Life" event promoting harm reduction and suicide prevention. For information call The Free Clinics 828-697-8422

Behavioral Health Meetings/Groups in Henderson County 

• Henderson County Substance Use Action Team meeting. Tuesday, October 14, 12:00-1:30. Join us virtually or in person and feel free to bring your lunch to eat while we meet. Contact Jodi Grabowski for additional information at jgrabowski@hendersoncountync.gov
• Henderson County Crisis Response Collaborative. Wednesday, November 19, 2:30pm -4:00. Contact Jodi Grabowski for additional information.
• Henderson County Behavioral Health Coalition. Contact Melissa Witmeier for additional information at mwitmeier@hendersoncountync.gov
• HART (Henderson ACES's, Resilience and Trauma) Collaborative Meeting. Contact Angela Bollo for additional information abollo@crossnore.org
• Henderson County Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Free Monthly Support Group held at the Henderson County Department of Public Health for adults (18+). Call 828-694-6038 for more information