A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO appropriate funds to the department of health and human services, division of mental health, developmental DISABILITIES, and substance abuse services, for expansion of services and support for persons with mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases, as recommended by the coalition (formerly coalition 2001).
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, the sum of three million dollars ($3,000,000) for the 2009‑2010 fiscal year.  These funds shall be allocated as follows:
(1)	$1,000,000 for individuals with mental illness who are also deaf. Of these funds:
a.	$200,000 shall be allocated for increasing the availability of interpreting services;
b.	$480,000 shall be allocated for sign language instruction, prevention materials, staff training, and broadband connections for video relay services; and
c.	$320,000 shall be allocated for a six‑bed group home to serve deaf adults in Wake County as a step down from the inpatient unit at Broughton Hospital.
(2)	$1,000,000 for peer support positions in drop‑in centers, to help people find housing, to help with readjustments after jail, prison, or time spent as an inpatient and in recovery centers.
(3)	$500,000 to establish a pilot for Center for Excellence in conjunction with the University and Community College systems to promote evidence‑based/best practice models and methods of mental health/mental illness treatment across the State.
(4)	$500,000 for jail diversion programs for individuals with mental illness. These funds would expand model Jail Diversion programs that keep individuals with mental illness out of the criminal justice system and in community‑based treatment programs.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.