News

Health care organization places mental health kiosk at North Carolina courthouse

August 2, 2017

Vaya Health, a public managed health care organization, and community partners unveiled a mental health screening kiosk Monday at the Rutherford County Courthouse, located at 229 N. Main St. in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, according to a press release.

The kiosk enables residents to learn about behavioral health conditions, participate in confidential assessments and find local treatment resources.

As part of an ongoing initiative, Vaya Health is placing MindKare kiosks in public locations in 23 western North Carolina counties throughout 2017.

MindKare kiosks are designed for use in public spaces. The kiosks are designed to reduce stigma by making learning about and screening for treatable conditions like depression or anxiety as commonplace as a blood pressure screening.

"Rutherford County's MindKare kiosk is an innovative part of our larger efforts to encourage people to seek help if they have concerns about their mental health or substance use," Vaya CEO Brian Ingraham said in the press release. "This kiosk makes it easy for residents to connect with local treatment resources. It also reinforces the message that mental health is an important part of overall health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

Western North Carolina residents can also take confidential assessments online at www.vayamindful.org.