Topics Related to Office of Rural Health

NCDHHS' Office of Rural Health staff give back by volunteering at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of the Licensed Workforce Loan Repayment Program, a $20 million initiative to recruit and retain licensed professionals who provide mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) services in rural and underserved communities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) earlier this month submitted its Rural Health Transformation Plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The plan demonstrates how the state could use $200 million in federal funding annually over five years to improve health across 85 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. CMS is expected to announce funding decisions by December 31, 2025.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is proud to join communities across the nation in celebrating National
Rural Health Day today, Nov. 20.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is proud to join communities across the country in celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 20. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday each November and celebrates the "Power of Rural" by recognizing the individuals, organizations and communities dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of rural residents.

PRESS RELEASE — To encourage and support more registered nurses to serve in rural areas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing the opportunity for tax-free educational loan repayments. This new North Carolina Nurse Initiative is available to qualifying nurses committed to delivering high-quality care in safety net organizations and private practices in underserved areas across the state.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend the "Responding to the Opioid and Substance Use Crisis in North Carolina’s Rural Coastal Communities" conference on September 19, 2025, in Morehead City. Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, will deliver the keynote address on how opioid use impacts rural coastal communities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today it will begin preparing to submit its application to receive funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The program is part of H.R. 1, a federal bill signed into law by President Trump in July to address rural health concerns due to federal cuts to the Medicaid program.

PRESS RELEASE — To commemorate National Rural Health Day on Nov. 21, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is proud to announce the annual Community Star award winner.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is proud to join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 21. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year and recognizes the “Power of Rural” by honoring the individuals, organizations and community members dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities.