Councils and Commissions

Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services

The Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services was created in 1973 as part of the Executive Organization Act. Its creation, powers and duties are set forth, in part, in N.C.G.S. § 143B-147. Its mission is to promote excellence in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse disorders in North Carolina.

Mental Health Planning Council

The Mental Health Planning Council is appointed by the NC DHHS Secretary. The duties of the Council include:

• Reviewing the annual Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to submit to the state any recommendations of the Council for modifications to the plans
• Serving as an advocate for adults with a serious mental illness, children with a serious emotional disturbance, and other individuals with mental illnesses or emotional problems
• Monitoring, reviewing and evaluating, not less than once each year, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the state

Council members include representatives of:

• Families of children with serious emotional disturbances
• Representatives of adults with mental illness
• Representatives of families of mentally ill adults
• Representatives of state agencies
• Representatives of public and private entities concerned with need, planning, operation, funding and use of mental health services

Members are appointed to three-year terms. Members, other than those representing state agencies, may serve no more than two consecutive terms. Those interested in serving on the Council are invited to complete and submit the Council Membership Application form, located here. For more information, please contact Ken Edminster at ken.edminster@dhhs.nc.gov.

Mental Health Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Mental Health Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing meets quarterly. It is tasked with advising the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services on program services and community needs. Members are recommended by the NC Association of the Deaf and approved by the division director.

For more information, please contact Brad Trotter at brad.trotter@dhhs.nc.gov.

Customer Services and Community Rights Team

The role of the Customer Services and Community Rights Team is to support consumer choice and to make sure that your rights are protected.

Customer Services:

• Protects your rights when you are served in the community
• Provides a responsive system for your complaints or concerns
• Monitors community rights protections and customer service
• Responds to complaints or concerns
• Collects and report aggregate complaint data
• Assists families and individuals to access public services
• Protects the rights of individuals served in their communities
• Monitors community rights protection systems and customer service for quality
• Provides technical assistance to local and state customer service representatives
• Provides information about the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disability and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS) system

Consumer Handbook

Customer Services and Community Rights
Phone: 984-236-5300
Toll Free: 1-855-262-1946
Spanish: 1-800-662-7030
Email: dmh.advocacy@dhhs.nc.gov

Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees

The Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (CFACS) make planning and management recommendations for the DMH/DD/SAS system.

• CFACs are required by NC General Statute 122C-170 for each local management entity (LME).
• Membership consists of adults and family members of individuals who receive our services.
• The term for members is three years.
• Members cannot serve more than three consecutive terms.

North Carolina CFACs
Alliance CFAC
Eastpointe CFAC
Partners CFAC
Sandhills CFAC
Trillium CFAC
Vaya Health CFAC

State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee

The State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (SCFAC) advises NC DHHS and the General Assembly on the planning and management of DMH/DD/SAS.

More information.

Community Engagement & Empowerment Team
Phone: 1-984-236-5300
Toll Free: 1-855-262-1946
Spanish: 1-800-662-7030
Email: CEandE.Staff@dhhs.nc.gov

Community Engagement and Empowerment Team

The Community Engagement and Empowerment Team is the communication link between CFACs and DMH/DD/SAS.

More information.

Community Engagement and Empowerment Team
Phone: 984-236-5300
Toll Free: 1-855-262-1945
Email: CEandE.Staff@dhhs.nc.gov

DHHS Waiver Advisory Committee

The DHHS Waiver Advisory Committee (DWAC) is an advisory body to DHHS that provides input and consultation over the following:

• Implementation/Operational phases of the 1915 b/c Medicaid waivers
• Ongoing LME-MCO operations (Medicaid managed care, Innovations, and LME operations)

The Division Waiver Advisory Committee meetings are held monthly in the Brown Building, Hearing Room #104 from 1:30-3:30pm on the Dorothea Dix Campus.
Agenda from February 17th
Minutes from January 2016

If you have feedback or questions, please email 1915BC.Waiver.Contact@dhhs.nc.gov.

DHHS I/DD Stakeholder Workgroup Meetings

Purpose

The workgroup is responsible for researching, recommending, and providing support/guidance for future implementation of  best or promising practices to meet the needs of Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.  This includes reviewing, planning, improving and/or establishing services and supports for this population.  This workgroup will  be composed of community partners and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from DHHS and DPI.

The workgroup will work collaboratively with a shared vision and planning.   

DHHS I/DD Workgroup Charter

Meeting Information: