Board Chair, George York, calls SouthLight “Positioned to Lead”

At a time when the need for robust mental health and substance use treatment is more critical than ever, SouthLight Healthcare stands out as a beacon of hope and leadership. George York, President and CEO of York Properties, returns for a second term as SouthLight’s Board Chair, bringing his expertise and unwavering commitment to our organization’s mission. 

York confidently asserts that SouthLight is “positioned to lead” in addressing the urgent challenges of the mental health and opioid crises plaguing our communities. As a 54-year-old nonprofit behavioral health organization serving Wake, Durham, Cumberland and Harnett Counties, SouthLight’s comprehensive services reach more than 8,000 people each year, making a profound impact on the lives of many.  

In this interview, York elaborates on how Southlight is strategically poised to drive meaningful change in the areas of mental health substance use treatment.  

George York on His Journey and Vision for SouthLight 

Tell us about your history with SouthLight. How did you originally become involved with SouthLight, the Board, and how long did you previously serve before returning last year? 

A: I joined the board at SouthLight in late 2001 after being invited by a friend on the board. Substance use has impacted my family and friends, so I welcomed the opportunity to try and help. I served on the board for almost 17 years before taking a break, and I was excited to get involved again last year. 

What does it mean to you to return as our Chair after so many years? Why are you passionate about SouthLight’s mission? 

When I served as board chair many years ago, it was one of the prouder moments of my adult life.

A: When I served as board chair many years ago, it was one of the prouder moments of my adult life. Having the opportunity to lead this incredible group of dedicated board members once again is an honor. 

What are your top priorities for the SouthLight Board this year?   

A: Top priorities this year include:

• Closing out our capital campaign
• Increasing public awareness of all the great things SouthLight does for our community 
• Successfully launching our program in Cumberland County 
• Finishing our Garner Road project on time so our amazing staff can do their work from a facility worthy of their talent. 

How is SouthLight positioned to address both the mental health crisis and opioid crisis in our community? 

A: SouthLight is positioned to lead our community action on both the mental health crisis as well as the opioid crisis. I’m not aware of another organization with such a strong track record of success in rebuilding people’s lives who deal with these serious issues. With our new facility improvements and our expanded service area, we are fully prepared to increase the number of people who need our support. 

What is the one thing you want our community to understand about SouthLight? 

A: For over 50 years SouthLight has been the leader in our area helping our friends and neighbors struggling with addiction and mental health issues. We are the trusted source for helping people with or without resources for their care. SouthLight is able to do what we do with limited community support, so if the community would embrace us and support us financially going forward, we will be excellent stewards of their money as we tackle these tough issues head-on!   

Looking Ahead: SouthLight’s Bright Future 

As George York takes on his second term as a Board Chair with SouthLight, his vision and leadership help guide the organization through another transformative phase. With a commitment to addressing the pressing mental health and opioid crises, SouthLight is well-positioned to expand its impact across Wake, Durham, Cumberland, and Harnett Counties.  

The dedication and passion of our board, combined with the community’s support, will ensure that SouthLight continues to provide critical services to those in need. As York eloquently stated: 

For over 50 years, SouthLight has been the leader in our area, helping our friends and neighbors struggling with addiction and mental health issues. 

With this strong foundation and forward-looking approach, SouthLight is poised to lead the charge in fostering healthier, stronger communities. 

Meet all members of our Board of Directors, including two new members this year, David Reese and Julian Bossong.