NC voters, candidates targeted by new mental health Web site

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Mental health advocacy groups have launched a Web site they hope will get North Carolina political candidates and voters talking about ways to improve the state's mental health system.

The North Carolina Psychiatric Association, the state Mental Health Association and other groups revealed the site Tuesday. The address is http://www.ncmentalhealthvote.org.

They said it provides information on challenges facing a mental health system that also treats the developmentally disabled and substance abusers.

Doctor John Gilmore, a psychiatrist at the University of North Carolina medical school, said the site is nonpartisan and won't endorse candidates. Gilmore said the groups want mental health reform to be an important issue during the election year.

Candidates will be able to post statements about mental health issues on the site.