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 the Substance Use Action Team: a community-based group consisting of participants from several area organizations and people with lived experience. The 2026 meetings will be at the Health Department Classroom on Monday, March 16, 3:00-4:30 pm and Thursday, June 25 at 12:00-1:30pm. September is National Recovery Month, so look for events to be announced! If you are interested in attending meetings and/or receiving meeting minutes, please contact Jodi Grabowski.
Note about the 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 most recent meeting took place on February 25, 2026, and it has been determined that this meeting will merge with the Henderson County Behavioral Health Coalition Meeting. VAYA Health will plan to report to the group on a quarterly basis (see below).
Behavioral Health Meetings/Groups in Henderson County
- Henderson County Substance Use Action Team meeting. Next meeting date is TBD. Contact Jodi Grabowski for additional information at jgrabowski@hendersoncountync.gov
- Henderson County Behavioral Health Coalition. Contact Emily Vickerman for additional information at EmilyV@childrenandfamily.org
- 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
Upcoming Events:
- August 30, 6:00pm at Point Lookout Vineyards. Diamonds and Denim fundraiser for Back on Track Addiction Ministries
- August 31, time TBD at Jackson Park. Overdose Awareness event sponsored by Back on Track Addiction Ministries
- September 3, 2:00pm-7:00pm at Pack Square in Asheville. WNC RCC 2nd Annual Recovery Rally
- September 24, 12:00-4:00pm at Jackson Park. Save a Life Day, sponsored by Love and Respect
- September 25, 12:00-4:00pm at Grace Lutheran Church. Save a Life Day sponsored by The Free Clinics
