Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP), a first of its kind statewide health plan to ensure access to comprehensive physical and mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth and young adults currently and formerly served by the child welfare system. With approval from and at the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly and in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the CFSP went live on Dec. 1, 2025. The name of the

PRESS RELEASE — Today Governor Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrate two years since the implementation of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. More than 690,000 newly eligible North Carolinians have gained access to affordable health care through Medicaid expansion, including veterans and workers in child care, construction, hospitality, home health care, and other industries essential to our state’s success.

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 today announced the opening of the state’s second Mobile Opioid Treatment Program. The unit is operated by New Season Treatment Center in Greensboro and will serve Greensboro and surrounding areas in the Triad. Mobile OTPs dispense medicine for people with a substance use disorder, which is considered the most effective treatment. Morse Clinics launched the first mobile OTP unit in Wake County in the summer.

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 — Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC (GROW NC) announce an additional investment to build on the success of the WNC Thrive initiative, one of many NCDHHS efforts to help children and families recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. This announcement brings the total investment in additional resources for children, youth, and families in the 22 counties hit hardest by Helene, including free after-school, weekend, and summer camp programs, to a total of $3.75 million.

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.

PRESS RELEASE — The 49th annual holiday parade at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (JIRDC) will begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Residents and staff invite the entire community to enjoy the parade as the center celebrates "Storybook Holiday Parade." Marching bands, fire trucks, and floats are expected to participate as well as a special appearance by Santa Claus from the North Pole.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released A Statewide Call to Action to Reduce Cancer in North Carolina: 2025-2030 North Carolina Cancer Plan to address the complex factors and impacts of cancer that affect North Carolinians. It emphasizes reducing disparities among underserved and rural communities that experience higher rates of cancer, disability and death.

PRESS RELEASE — To recognize and raise awareness of safe antibiotic use, Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed the week of November 18-24, 2025, as North Carolina Antibiotic Awareness Week. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is calling attention to the importance of correct use of antibiotics, and the threat antibiotic resistance poses to people, animals, plants and their shared environment.