Topics Related to Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend a meeting of the Wake County Drug Overdose Coalition to hear from Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services, First Lady of North Carolina Anna Stein, and NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Director Kelly Crosbie. The meeting will focus on addressing stigma related to substance use.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services this week celebrates three years of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides help and support for anyone suffering from depression, anxiety or interpersonal/family issues or who just needs someone to talk to during a time of personal crisis. North Carolina is a national leader in 988 implementation with a focus on answering every call and ensuring every person gets the care they need. A recent survey shows many people reported feeling hopeful, grateful and motivated after calling 988 with more than 90%

On June 20, NCDHHS Secretary Sangvai attended and spoke at the Pride Month celebration held at the Governor's Executive Mansion in Raleigh.

STATEMENT — The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently announced it would eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline service dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth services. On July 17, 2025, people who call 988 will no longer have the option to Press 3, specific to LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide. In response, and to reaffirm North Carolina’s commitment to serving everyone who calls 988 for crisis care, Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS Director of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, released the following statement.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new behavioral health urgent care respite center for children and families in eastern North Carolina. In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Life Changing Behavioral Health Services, and Trillium Health Resources, the Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care respite facility will open June 17, 2025.

This week, NCDHHS leadership came together at the i2i conference to talk about the Olmstead Plan. This plan helps people with disabilities get the support they need to live the lives they want in their communities.

PRESS RELEASE — As part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services commitment to transforming mental health care, the department is seeking public comment on its Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2026-2030). This work is critical in improving the lives of all North Carolinians and addressing the mental health crisis. The public is invited to read the plan and provide feedback by July 9, 2025.

MEDIA ADVISORY — North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai is traveling to western North Carolina to learn about recovery efforts and highlight mental health resources available to people impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Secretary will also visit a Healthy Opportunities Pilot program providing essential services to people recovering from the storm. Credentialed media are invited to attend the visit at Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness in Hendersonville on June 12, 2025, at 12:45 p.m., and the visit at Caja Solidaria in Hendersonville on

NCDHHS has a North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) to provide and support effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach and treatment services. NCPGP is funded by the N.C. Education Lottery and supported by NCDHHS’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a discussion on the Olmstead Plan and its mission to improve the lives and well-being of people with disabilities at the i2i Center for Integrative Health Spring 2025 Conference. The event is open to credentialed media and will take place on Monday, June 9, at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills Hotel from 1:30-4:30 p.m.