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Wednesday, February 25, 2026

NCDHHS, UNC and North Carolina Social Work Coalition on Workforce Host Kickoff Celebration for Public Service Leadership Program

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to join the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the University of North Carolina System, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the North Carolina Social Work Coalition on Workforce in celebrating a new innovative partnership to address the shortage of social workers across North Carolina.
RALEIGH
Feb 25, 2026

Credentialed media are invited to join the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the University of North Carolina System, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the North Carolina Social Work Coalition on Workforce in celebrating a new innovative partnership to address the shortage of social workers across North Carolina. 

The Public Service Leadership Program will increase awareness of careers in social work among students in high schools, community colleges and universities and equip them with the skills and knowledge to address the complex needs of children, individuals and families. Leaders will also discuss a new report highlighting the need for social workers in North Carolina and the critical shortage of this workforce, particularly in rural areas and for Medicaid-eligible populations.

What:    
Public Service Leadership Program Celebration

Who:    
Dr. Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NCDHHS 
Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Disorders, NCDHHS 
Peter Hans, President, University of North Carolina System 
Lee Roberts, Chancellor, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill 
Ramona Denby-Brinson, Dean, School of Social Work, UNC-Chapel Hill 

When:    
Monday, March 2,
11 a.m. - noon 

Where:    
Carolina Inn
211 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 

RSVP:     
Credentialed media should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov if they plan to attend. Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson and Director Kelly Crosbie will hold a media availability immediately afterward.