North Carolina Governor Visits New Behavioral Health Hospital

Stein advocates for increased Medicaid funding to expand mental health services

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:01pm

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A vibrant neon outline of a human brain, glowing with electric energy against a dark background, conceptually representing the importance of mental health services.Governor Stein's visit highlights the vital role of new mental health facilities in expanding access to care across North Carolina.Greenville Today

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently visited the newly opened ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Greenville, praising the facility for providing critical mental health care to residents in eastern parts of the state. During his visit, Stein called for increased Medicaid funding to help expand access to behavioral health services across the region.

Why it matters

Mental health care access has long been a challenge in many rural and underserved areas of North Carolina. The new ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital represents an important step in addressing this gap, but the governor acknowledged more resources are needed to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

The details

The ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital opened in 2025 and is the first freestanding psychiatric hospital in eastern North Carolina. It provides inpatient and outpatient services for adults and adolescents struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. During his visit, Stein toured the facility and met with staff and patients to better understand the hospital's impact on the local community.

  • The ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital opened in 2025.
  • Governor Stein visited the hospital on April 3, 2026.

The players

Josh Stein

The current Governor of North Carolina, who has made expanding access to mental health services a key priority of his administration.

ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital

A newly opened psychiatric hospital in Greenville, North Carolina that provides inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment.

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What they’re saying

“The ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is doing critical work to bring much-needed mental health care to the people of eastern North Carolina. But we must do more to ensure all residents have access to the support they need.”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina

What’s next

Governor Stein has pledged to work with the state legislature to secure additional Medicaid funding to expand mental health services and treatment options across North Carolina.

The takeaway

This visit highlights the ongoing challenges in providing adequate mental health care, especially in rural and underserved regions. While the new ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital represents progress, the governor's call for more resources underscores the need for a comprehensive, statewide approach to addressing the mental health crisis.