May 2026 SouthLight Spotlight

Mental Health and Substance Use

How Are They Connected?

At SouthLight, about 80% of clients have a dual diagnosis, meaning they’re experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges. By understanding this connection, we can better appreciate how they interact, have greater empathy for our loved ones struggling with these issues, and be effective helpers on their treatment journey.

If you’re supporting someone through mental health or substance use challenges, you’re not alone, and neither are they.

SouthLight was proud to sponsor, participate in the walk, and provide an information table at this year’s NAMIWalks 2026 event. This fundraising event helps ensure that our valued mental health community partner, NAMI North Carolina, can continue to build community, reduce stigma, and provide free NAMI educational support, and advocacy services.  

Want to Get Involved?

We’re seeking community groups, businesses, families, and volunteers to help assemble hygiene kits, snack packs, and seasonal care kits for individuals in treatment and recovery. Your group is invited to purchase supplies and pack kits together as a meaningful service activity.

Reach out to Jim Dempsey at dempseyj@southlight.org for a list of needed items and ways to serve. 

Many thanks to this great group from Hayes Barton United Methodist Church who donated supplies for hygiene kits and then assembled the items into individual bags. Our clients really appreciate these helpful items that are distributed by our Resource Advocacy team.

Make Your Gift to SouthLight Today!

More people than ever are turning to SouthLight for help with addiction and mental health challenges—and finding compassionate, integrated care. But not all of this care is fully covered by insurance. Your support changes lives by helping people stay connected to treatment when they otherwise couldn’t.

• $2,500 funds a month of group counseling for uninsured adults
• $1,000 supports a month of opioid treatment with medication and counseling
• $500 provides rent assistance for a client in early recovery
• $250 offers two individual therapy sessions
• $100 covers a psychiatric evaluation for someone with no insurance