A mental health program at MedWest-Haywood hospital has been expanded to include the general population through a behavioral health outpatient program.

The program began as a counseling and support system for active and veteran members of the military.

The pilot program was funded by a U.S. Department of Defense grant through the Odum Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It expired in December 2010. MedWest recently received a $120,000 grant from the Evergreen Foundation and an $88,000 grant from Rural Hope to continue offering a psychiatric care department. These grants will provide equipment allowing faster patient evaluation and placement.

Admission priority for the Behavioral Outpatient Program is given to MedWest-Haywood referrals from the hospital’s emergency department or other units. Residents of Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Clay, Cherokee, Graham and Swain counties receive the next priority, followed by residents elsewhere in the state. 828.452.8999