This story – which includes discussion of issues related to mental health and suicide – was written before Hurricane Helene brought widespread destruction and even greater mental health challenges to Western North Carolina. In the aftermath of the storm, mental health needs for the region will be more acute than ever. UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC remains dedicated to building bridges across communities and bringing in a wide range of accessible, effective resources to support the people of WNC.
When Millie and Miles Elmore’s son Will took his life in 2018, the Elmores were no strangers to the resources available for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges. Will grew up in Asheville, and as an adult, he bravely navigated a long journey with depression. Western North Carolina (WNC) has historically had a shortage of mental health resources, but Will’s family was there every step of the way to support him through his journey.
Through those years, his parents saw firsthand how mental health in WNC was limited by a lack of funding, effective services, and understanding. The Elmores, however, are a family that takes on tough challenges – challenges they knew affected many more families than their own. They became champions for increased access to counseling and care, with Millie helping to found Asheville’s All Souls Counseling Center in 2000 to fill gaps in counseling and services.
“We just feel very strongly about it,” Millie said. “We are not shy about advocating for mental health.”
Creating a robust and resilient network for mental health care in the western part of the state is a key priority for UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center). This year marks 50 years of MAHEC’s mission to provide WNC residents with life-changing, high-quality healthcare. UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC plays a leading role in the urgent mandate to expand mental healthcare options.
“The partnership between MAHEC and UNC allows us to combine our expertise, resources, and commitment to address the significant challenges we face today, such as the mental health crisis,” said Bryan Hodge, DO, Chief Academic Officer at MAHEC.
With the newly established Elmore Family Endowment for Mental Health Transformation in WNC, the Elmores continue to be a force for positive change in mental health. This new fund provides a permanent source of funding to expand the growing footprint of mental health work through UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC.
Funds from the endowment will build on mental health initiatives that blossomed under the leadership of Stephen Buie, MD, former psychiatry department chair. These initiatives will continue to evolve to meet the needs of WNC under the leadership of the department’s new chair, John Nicholls, MD, JD.
The Elmores know that the region’s needs are significant, and that mental health challenges can’t be solved overnight. But with increased public awareness of the ongoing mental health crisis, they’re hopeful that new solutions and strategies are indeed on the way. And that these efforts will lead to a stronger community of connection and support.
“We see the importance of not just the clinical services,” Millie said, “but the community connections, the warmth and support that can surround people with mental illness. What we’re most interested in, really, is providing a community without stigma where people can go and feel safe and get the day-to-day help they need.”
Miles is optimistic that change is already happening, especially when it comes to how people view mental illness. In the past, he said, “people preferred to sweep it under on the rug. No one would discuss it.”
Now, Miles said, “people get that mental illness is a big problem. You can’t ignore mental health, and you’ve got to talk about it. That’s the biggest change I’ve seen – that people are more willing to get involved.”
Families like the Elmores are leading the way, with their commitment to transforming mental health education and access. Their legacy of positive change and compassionate support will lift up individuals and families in Western North Carolina for years to come.
For more information on supporting mental health transformation in Western North Carolina, please contact Jeanine Simmons, Assistant Vice President, Philanthropy, at jeanine.simmons@med.unc.edu.