Panthers Star Steve Smith Establishes Behavioral Health Urgent Care In Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — Former Carolina Panthers great Steve Smith is working with Mecklenburg County to establish a behavioral health urgent care in Charlotte to serve the community. Smith formally announced the endeavor Monday morning in a press conference.

The county will provide $2 million for construction of the facility with the Steve Smith Family Foundation and Alliance Health both pitching in $800,000.

The provider for services is Daymark, which has three other behavioral health urgent cares in the state.

The former wide receiver says the reason he invested in a behavioral health urgent care center is personal as a survivor of domestic violence in his childhood, as well as how he managed his health during his tenure as a professional athlete.

"By not addressing those things, I was oppressing them," he said of his past. With the help of a sports psychologist, Smith said he was able to work on his mental health concurrently with his physical health.

"Why not finish the whole package on my head and my heart?" Smith said.

The urgent care will be open 24/7, 365 days a year and serve both children and adults for substance abuse as well as mental illness. The aim is accessible, immediate care for psychological challenges, which Smith says should no longer carry a stigma.

"It needs to come out of the shadows of shame," said Smith. "There's nothing wrong with me and I am not alone."

The facility acts as an alternative to an emergency room, offering specialized services catered to mental health and mental health crisis.

Rob Robinson, CEO Chief Alliance Health, says the approach will help to mitigate emergencies tied to mental health as well as prevent incarcerations.

"They can provide immediate care for persons experiencing behavioral crisis or on the verge," said Robinson. "This is a special project that will be a tremendous value for the people of this community."

The facility will be located on Colonnade Drive near Bojangles Coliseum, which was important to Smith. "It's a max of two bus rides from the east side or the west side," said Smith, emphasizing accessibility.