North Carolina Expands Services for Veterans

This week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced expanded hours for NCServes and the launch of the AskMeNC initiative, enhancing access to care for the state’s more than 600,000 veterans and their families. These initiatives aim to strengthen the coordinated network of services for veterans, including mental health care, housing, employment support, and peer programs.

“North Carolina’s veterans have given selflessly in service to our country. When you’ve spent a career helping others, asking for help can be difficult,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These initiatives will better connect veterans to health care, peer support, and essential services.”

NCServes, first launched in 2014 as the nation’s inaugural statewide coordinated care network for veterans, has provided more than 150,000 services to nearly 70,000 veteran households. The program integrates with NCCARE360 to provide comprehensive, whole-person care. With the expanded hours—covering evenings and weekends—NCServes anticipates serving an additional 2,000 veterans in its first year of this expansion.

“Veterans deserve care and wellness that are coordinated and streamlined,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai. “By aligning mental health, primary care, housing, employment, and peer supports, we are building a stronger, more compassionate network for those who served.”

The new AskMeNC initiative offers a single point of entry for services such as health care, housing, benefits navigation, employment, education, and family support. Leveraging NCServes’ coordination system, AskMeNC connects veterans to trusted community-based providers and serves as a digital hub for a wide range of additional supports.

“These initiatives come at a critical time,” said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health Debra Farrington. “Veterans often face barriers because of disconnected systems. Coordinated networks like NCServes and AskMeNC help bridge these gaps, making it easier to access the care and support they deserve.”

Federal reports underscore the need for coordinated care: nearly one in three veterans experiencing homelessness reported being unable to access services due to long wait times or lack of coordination. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2024 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report notes that nearly two-thirds of veterans who die by suicide were not actively engaged in VA care. Coordinated systems improve outcomes, with studies showing veterans are 40% more likely to secure stable housing and 50% more likely to sustain employment when connected to integrated services, according to the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans.

Veteran support partners praised the expansion. “By extending NCServes hours and launching AskMeNC, North Carolina ensures that veterans and their families can access help when they need it most,” said Tracy Hayes, CEO of Vaya Health. Brandon Wilson, COO of ABCCM, which manages NCServes, called it “intentional community in action,” highlighting collaboration across more than 5,000 organizations.

The initiatives complement other state efforts, including the Connections app, developed with CHESS Health, which provides digital mental health support, peer connections, and recovery tools. NCDHHS also sponsors the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s Task Force on Veterans’ Health, focusing on care navigation, workforce development, and behavioral health needs.

Veterans, service members, and families in need of support can call NCServes at 855-962-8387 or visit ncserves.org. For mental health crises, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 via call, text, or chat, with targeted resources for veterans.

These initiatives mark a significant step toward providing North Carolina veterans with timely, coordinated care, ensuring that the state’s commitment to those who served extends far beyond recognition on Veterans Day.