The CARE-LINE is the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ (NCDHHS) toll-free Information and Referral telephone service. Information and Referral Specialists provide information and referrals regarding human services in government and non-profit agencies. Currently, eight individuals staff the CARE-LINE. Of the eight staff, one specialist is the OCS CARE-LINE Hispanic Citizen Services Representative and is dedicated to handling calls from Spanish-speaking customers. Another specialist is a Bioterrorism Information and Referral Specialist and works closely with the Division of Public Health in coordinating bioterrorism efforts related to the Governor’s Public Health Hotline. CARE-LINE staff are well trained and have a wealth of knowledge regarding human service programs across North Carolina. Many staff persons are Certified Information and Referral Specialist by the National Alliance of Information and Referral Services. In 2004, these professionals provided information to more than 100,000 callers.

If you have a questions about services that are available to you through the NCDHHS, CARE-LINE staff can guide you to the appropriate source. In addition, staff are able to retrieve information regarding other human services provided by government (local, state and federal) and non-profit services across North Carolina. Our service covers all 100 counties in North Carolina.

A database of over 10,000 agencies across North Carolina is available to staff who are assisting callers. In addition, residents and professional can access program information via the NCcareLINK.

OCS is credited with implementing an on-line web-based updating process that ensures that data is accurate and up-to-date. This service allows agencies and offices listed in our database to review their data – thus eliminating time consuming phone calls, faxes and e-mail by OCS personnel. Updating our database used to be a lengthy process – great reductions in time equal cost savings to the citizens of North Carolina. OCS was the first Information and Referral service in North Carolina to implement on-line updating.

You may now reach the CARE-LINE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including state holidays by calling 1-800-662-7030 (English/Spanish) or 1-877-452-2514 (TTY). For local calls, you may dial 855-4400 (English/Spanish) or 919-733-4851 (TTY).