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County gets mental health kiosk

The Laurinburg Exchange - 5/29/2017

May 24--LAURINBURG -- Scotland County has a new resource with the establishment of a mental health kiosk.

The Eastpointe Connect kiosk is located in the lobby of the Scotland County Health Department.

One in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness in any given year.

"Mental health is a real and serious issue that affects society and our community as a whole," said Kristen Peterson, county health director. "Scotland County Health Department has partnered with Eastpointe to provide a kiosk to assist those who are experiencing a mental health crisis and it is here to serve anyone in need of support."

The freestanding kiosks offering a quick and anonymous way for individuals to answer a series of online questions designed to indicate symptoms of a mental health condition. The kiosk will also suggest local resources for information and treatment.

"Eastpointe Connect is something new, innovative, and exciting," said Sarah Stroud, CEO for Eastpointe. "It shows the commitment of the Scotland Health Department and Eastpointe to the health and wellness of the community. This partnership between the Scotland Health Department and Eastpointe puts this community on the cutting edge of providing mental health screenings in easily accessible community settings."

Stroud said as part of the effort, Scotland County health officials have developed practice protocols to assist with crisis referral of individuals; and to participate in nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid training.

"Scotland County is truly fortunate to have a board of commissioners and a Health Department that value and support the concept of total care for citizens," Stroud said. "They deserve applause for their creative, forward thinking approach that blends technology and screening to address mental health needs. Having access to community-based screenings through Eastpointe Connect will positively impact the outcome of mental illness in our community, help reduce stigma and provide screening services at an earlier stage."

The kiosk is wheelchair accessible and features a privacy filter that makes on-screen data visible only to the person directly in front of the monitor.

The Scotland County Health Department staff also has wallet cards for people who want them. The wallet cards contain the website address to access the information on a personal computer, phone, or tablet.

Eastpointe manages, coordinates, and monitors the mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use/addiction services in 12 eastern counties, including Scotland, Bladen, Columbus, Edgecombe, Greene, Lenoir, Robeson, Nash, Sampson, Wayne, and Wilson.

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