World Mental Health Day
At Circles of Jackson County, we are all about community. Connecting with community as a way for resources, love, support, and engagement are some of the values we like to guide our leaders to lean into. A little over a year ago, our region was hit with the devastating hurricane Helene. We managed to pull together as a community and provided the services and the needs that were immediate for those who were impacted. Jackson County showed up for those impacted in our community as well as our neighbors in need. Making sure that the awareness of services and resources for our residents was vital in surviving such an event. Especially the mental health services. Such an event can take a huge toll on our mental health, whether that be you are a survivor or someone who has been heartbroken because our community and neighboring communities were devastated.
Living in the mountains, hurricanes are not normal events to prepare for. But our communities and the surrounding areas were able to pull together with resources and support to provide for one another. As the saying goes,” come hell or highwater, even when the creek rises.” We are WNC strong, we are Jackson County strong!
In recognition of such awareness of mental health during times of crisis, the World Federation for Mental Health created an event that demonstrates this awareness. On October 10th, 1992, a global organization gathered for the first time for the educational awareness of mental health and the resources that can be provided in times of crisis. The first event was celebrated by gathering and bringing education about mental health. Ever since then, it has become a yearly event that brings awareness of mental health issues and events that lead to crises like conflict among nations and natural disasters. The emphasis for having this event is so that people are aware of their resources locally and have access to the services and care that they would need. Not only to have access to these critical resources, but to have enough conversations about mental health so the barriers are broken down. It is ok to let others know that you are not ok. In our ability to share, we are able to find the help that is needed to heal.
We all have hard moments, but as Circles, we believe that there is no such thing as going through these hard moments alone due to hard events like Helene or day-to-day struggles. To honor World Mental Health Awareness Day, here are some local crisis lines as resources for when it is needed.
988
National Mental Health Crisis Line for Suicide and Crisis 24 Hour Line to connect to crisis counselors.
Suicide-Mental Health Issues-Substance-
Text or Call or Chat Feature
Can Call if you are concerned about someone
Does not cost any money to utilize service. Cell phone data rates may apply.
Different from 911
physical health emergency
Fire
Crimes
Scenarios that need interventions
Appalachian Community Services
Although located in Haywood County, they serve Jackon County with emergency mental health services.
24 Hour Mobile Behavioral Health Urgent Care Line 1-888-315-2880
Located 91 Timberlane Road, Waynesville, NC, 28786
Same Day Services for Mental Health Crisis-Detox Services
No Referral
Photo ID-Insurance Card-Prescription List/Bottles
For more Information: http://www.acswnc.com/crisis-services
Appalachian Community Services. (2025). Crisis Services
<http://www.acswnc.com/crisis-services>
Sandvoss, J. (2025). World Mental Health Day. WashU Medicine
<https://internationalmedicine.wustl.edu/world-mental-health-day/ >
SAMHSA. (2025). 988 Frequently Asked Questions. <httpe://www.samhsa.gov/mental- health/988/faqs>
World Mental Health Day. (2025) < https://wmhdofficial.com>
World Health Organization. (2025). World Mental Health Day