LME Crisis Plan

Download the Excel spreadsheet.

WRAP:  Wellness Recovery Action Plan - Tuesday, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 18, 25th.  Click here for more information.

Important Announcements:

Child Mental Health Group Home Transition Information

Arts Access NC Announces A Statewide Needs Assessment

Survey for People with Disabilities and Their Families: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z7DW5LZ

Survey for People with Disabilities and Their Families:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZVNS3YN You may also request a hard copy to be mailed to you or we can also give you the survey over the phone. Call 919-271-3001.

More about the Survey:  In partnership with VSA Arts and the NC Arts Council, Arts Access seeks to develop a statewide arts and disability network to promote opportunities for people with disabilities to experience quality arts education, community cultural activities and nurture individual artistic talent. Information from the survey will be used to develop programming, educator training, and future grant opportunities. VSA Arts (formerly Very Special Arts) partnered with North Carolina during the 1980’s and 1990’s as an official affiliate but has been dormant since that time. This assessment will determine the interest in reviving that partnership. The project coordinator is Betsy Jones Ludwig. There will be a written survey, interviews and focus groups around the state. Please contact Betsy if you would like to participate. Phone: 919-271-3001, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Asheville Community Performance Project

In the spring of 2009, Homeward Bound of Asheville whose mission is to end chronic homelessness in our city undertook an innovative, bold and ambitious project. This involved the use of the performing arts to constructively engage all citizens in the community life of Asheville, generate new concepts for creating an inclusive community and provide the resources to carry on Homeward Bound’s mission. The result will be a community play, which will feature local residents from all walks of life, to be performed twice a year, incorporating new stories and songs on an annual basis. Click here to view a brochure or go to www.justhome.org.

Western Highlands Network Offers

 Mental Health First Aid Training

This training is currently full but will be offered later in the year.  Dates of upcoming trainings will be posted as they are confirmed.

This is a 12 hour certification course that teaches participants how to intervene during a mental health or substance abuse crisis and during the early stages of a developing mental health or substance abuse disorder until professional help can be obtained.  This international course began in Australia and is now being taught in 10 countries, including the United States.  Topics covered include depressive and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, non-suicidal self injury, psychosis, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. 

Cost for the program is $25.00 per person and includes the comprehensive Mental Health First Aid-USA manual and individual certification in the course material.  Training will be held March 15, 2010 and March 29, 2010 at Western Highlands Network from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 pm each day, with a one hour break for lunch.  In order to complete the training and receive the certification, both sessions must be attended in their entirety. This training is open to family members, community members, and providers and is limited to the first 24 registrants.  Registration and payment must be received by March 3, 2010.  You may send both to Sonia Eldridge at:  Western Highlands Network, 356 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28806. 

Questions may be directed to Sonia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (800-671-6560 x2910) or Andrea Morris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (800-671-6560 x2951).

In 2008, the federal government determined that the Cost of Living Increase (COLA) for those receiving Social Security and SSI would be 5.8%. At the same time, the State of NC raised the income limits for Medicaid by only 4%. This resulted in a 1.8% difference, which has meant that many individuals will either lose their Medicaid benefits or have them greatly altered in the form of large deductibles. The deductible amount to meet will be $2768.00. Those that earn even $1.00 over the limit will be at risk of losing their Medicaid benefit until that deductible is met every 6 months.

This 1.8% difference will affect many of our consumers, as the new income limits will reduce their discretionary income, and the deductible is an amount many will have great difficulty meeting.

Western Highlands Network has no oversight over this situation, however is happy to provide information regarding contacts for advocacy about this issue. Please click here to view a list of legislative contacts to advocate on behalf of consumers.

Further information about this subject will be distributed as it becomes available.

Quality Improvement Advisory Council:

We are currently looking for members for the Quality Improvement Advisory Council.
Please download the application and send it to:

Beverly Atkins
Western Highlands Network
356 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

WHN Local Business Plan 2007-2010

 Download the PDF file (1.8 Mb)

WHN Needs Assessment March 2009

Download the PDF file (5.0 Mb) (This document is designed to be printed as a double sided document)