North Carolina Launches Statewide Mental Health Bed Tracking System

New automated system aims to reduce delays in accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment beds

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has upgraded an online registry that tracks the availability of mental health and substance abuse treatment beds across the state. The new Automated Bed Availability function allows providers to see open beds in real-time, helping to reduce delays in accessing care for those in crisis.

Why it matters

Finding an open hospital bed for someone experiencing a mental health crisis can be a major challenge, with patients sometimes waiting hours or even days to access the care they need. The new automated system aims to improve coordination and access to mental health and substance abuse treatment resources across North Carolina.

The details

In 2023, the NCDHHS launched the Behavioral Health Statewide Central Availability Navigator (BH SCAN) to replace a manual system of faxing and calling to check bed availability. In 2024, the department piloted a new automated function at three facilities that would update bed availability in real-time. This week, that automated function is being rolled out statewide, with the goal of having all providers incorporated by 2027. The system is now connected to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which could help people in crisis access care faster.

  • In 2023, the NCDHHS launched the BH SCAN system.
  • In 2024, the department piloted the automated bed availability function at three facilities.
  • This week, the automated function is being rolled out statewide.
  • The goal is to have all providers incorporated by 2027.

The players

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for launching the new mental health bed tracking system.

Dave Jenkins

Vice President of Behavioral Services with Cone Health, who discussed the challenges of finding available beds and the benefits of the new automated system.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“One of the challenges is finding available beds throughout the state because, oftentimes, there aren't enough in a single community, but there could be capacity in other parts of the state.”

— Dave Jenkins, Vice President of Behavioral Services, Cone Health (Spectrum Local News)

“It's a real benefit for us as both a provider of psychiatric treatment and a referral partner. It's a two-way resource because there are times when we're operating at capacity, and we need to connect patients to other communities.”

— Dave Jenkins, Vice President of Behavioral Services, Cone Health (Spectrum Local News)

What’s next

The NCDHHS said it is working to have all providers on the new automated bed tracking system by early 2027.

The takeaway

The new automated mental health bed tracking system in North Carolina aims to improve coordination and access to critical mental health and substance abuse treatment resources, helping to reduce delays in care for those in crisis.