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Governor Stein Urges Mental Health Funding for Public Safety

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called for increased mental health funding to improve public safety during a speech in Greenville.
He cited the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, allegedly by a homeless man undergoing mental competency tests, as a catalyst for recent criminal law changes.
Stein criticized Republican lawmakers for prioritizing post-arrest solutions over prevention and urged state lawmakers to focus on mental health in budget negotiations.
Local officials, including Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance, supported collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals for better crisis management.

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Story summary

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called for increased mental health funding to improve public safety during a speech in Greenville.
He cited the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, allegedly by a homeless man undergoing mental competency tests, as a catalyst for recent criminal law changes.
Stein criticized Republican lawmakers for prioritizing post-arrest solutions over prevention and urged state lawmakers to focus on mental health in budget negotiations.
Local officials, including Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance, supported collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals for better crisis management.