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

Olmstead (OPSA) Quarterly Meeting with Guest Speaker

December 5, 2024, 3pm - 4pm
Topic: Olmstead (OPSA) Quarterly Meeting with Guest SpeakerTime: Dec 5, 2024, 3:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Join ZoomGov Meetinghttps://www.zoomgov.com/j/1607121616?pwd=TpIUeYObvRab63BnrPJuiv2iDbMVFy…Meeting ID: 160 712 1616Passcode: OlmsteadOne tap mobile+16692545252,,1607121616#,,,,*22143562# US (San Jose)+16468287666,,1607121616#,,,,*22143562# US (New York)

Increasing Crisis Counseling Services for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene; NCDHHS Receives Federal Funding to Expand Hope4NC and Help People Rebuild and Recover

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced $2.9 million in federal funding to help increase crisis counseling services for people impacted by Hurricane Helene. The funding is part of the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program administered by the U. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is available to states to address behavioral health care needs and support relief for people in disaster-impacted communities.

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley Travels to Buncombe and Henderson Counties

READOUT — North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley traveled to Henderson and Buncombe counties Thursday to survey damage and meet with people impacted by Hurricane Helene. Secretary Kinsley was joined by Senators Jim Burgin and Julie Mayfield and began the day meeting with people who have relocated to one of the state-operated shelters in Fletcher, N.C. The group then traveled to the Henderson County Department of Public Health and spoke to Health Director Dave Jenkins and Social Services Director Lorie Horne. The visit to Henderson County concluded with a stop by

Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene

PRESS RELEASE — Whether directly or indirectly, millions of people in North Carolina have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Natural disasters are traumatic for individuals, families and communities, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. After a hurricane, it’s even more important to get mental health support if you believe you or a loved one may need help, and to stay in contact with family and friends as soon as your access to communications is restored.

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley Joins Governor Roy Cooper to Survey Damage and Meet with People Impacted by Hurricane Helene in Mitchell and Yancey Counties

READOUT — NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley toured Mitchell and Yancey counties with Governor Roy Cooper on Tuesday, surveying storm damage, meeting with community members and thanking first responders at the Burnsville and Spruce Pine fire departments. The trip concluded with a visit to Sibelco Quartz Mine, a top employer of Mitchell County with about 500 employees. While speaking with members of the media, the Secretary shared updates from the department’s work in collaboration with local, state and federal partners to get the needed care and resources to the hundreds

Olmstead Plan Stakeholder Advisory (OPSA) - Quarterly Meeting – September 25, 2024

September 25, 2024, 1pm - 2pm
Olmstead Plan Stakeholder Advisory (OPSA) - Quarterly Meeting – September 25, 2024Wednesday, 1pm -2pmTopic: OPSA Quarterly MeetingTime: Sep 25, 2024 @ 1:00 PM  Eastern Time (US and Canada)Join ZoomGov Meetinghttps://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611357791?pwd=Uj1Zk0i0wEa90Rt3SWuGOKCHzdcqBR.1Meeting ID: 161 135 7791Passcode: Olmstead 

NC HHS Secretary Kody Kinsley to Participate in Appalachian Regional Commission’s 2024 INSPIRE Awards

MEDIA ADVISORY – North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley is attending the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) 2024 INSPIRE Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. in Asheville, N.C. ARC will announce $11.5 million in funding for 39 projects in nine states, including North Carolina, to support substance use recovery initiatives. Secretary Kinsley, a member of the Substance Use Disorder Advisory Council, will participate in the announcement and a SUD Recovery-to-Work Ecosystem panel discussion moderated by ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin.

Justice System Spotlight: FIT Wellness; NCDHHS to Highlight Efforts to Support People Involved in the Justice System

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services along with FIT Wellness, part of the North Carolina Formerly Incarcerated Transition Program (NC FIT), invites credentialed media on a tour and panel discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the FIT Wellness clinic in Raleigh. This event highlights efforts to expand access to behavioral health services for people involved in the justice system, as an estimated 50% of people in prisons and jails in North Carolina identify as having a mental health need and 75% identify as having a substance use disorder.

Investing in North Carolina’s Direct Support Professional Workforce; Celebrating Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services this week announced a funding opportunity for providers to support recruitment and retention for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The investment is part of a series of initiatives to support DSPs, who provide vital services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and play a critical role in the state’s behavioral health workforce. The department is also developing a free online DSP certification program in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System and building a digital

NCDHHS Releases New Report on Transforming Behavioral Health System During Suicide Prevention Week

PRESS RELEASE — During Suicide Prevention Week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a new report, Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivers Whole-Person Care When and Where People Need It. The report outlines the state’s expansive and strategic efforts to transform the public behavioral health system to deliver high-quality, equitable, accessible care that meets people where they are in their communities.