Press Releases

NCDHHS Launches Electronic Health Records System for State-Operated Health Facilities

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend a ceremony marking a significant advancement in patient communication and health care from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The launch of electronic health records, powered by Epic, will bring health records from 13 State Operated Healthcare Facilities online allowing for better data management and patient care.

First Lady Anna Stein, NCDHHS, Morse Clinics Celebrate First Mobile OTP Unit in North Carolina

PRESS RELEASE — North Carolina on Tuesday took an innovative step in efforts to reduce opioid use and related deaths with the launch of the state’s first Mobile Opioid Treatment Program. First Lady Anna Stein helped celebrate the occasion at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, and Dr. Eric Morse, founder and president of Morse Clinics.

North Carolina to Apply for the Rural Health Transformation Program

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.

Statement on Bertie County Department of Social Services

STATEMENT — Effective Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Bertie County Department of Social Services (BCDSS), as authorized under state law. This is the fifth time NCDHHS has taken over a county’s department of social services and the first time a county DSS has been taken over twice.

First Lady Anna Stein, NCDHHS and Morse Clinics Celebrate First Mobile Opioid Treatment Program Unit in North Carolina

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend the unveiling of the first Mobile Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) unit in North Carolina. Mobile OTPs reduce barriers to participation in treatment by making it easier for those seeking treatment to move into and maintain recovery. The mobile unit is sponsored by Morse Clinics opioid treatment programs in North Carolina. Morse Clinics are committed to providing Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and counseling services for those experiencing Opioid Use Disorder. Morse Clinics serve Wake, Chatham, Johnston, Halifax, Granville,

NCDHHS Launches Two-Year Pilot Program Implementing an Alternative to Restraint for De-escalating Crises at Child Residential Facilities

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of a two-year pilot program in which 22 Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) for youth, operated by seven provider agencies, will begin using an innovative system called Ukeru® to de-escalate crises. Ukeru is a safe and comforting alternative to restraint and seclusion, which are high-risk techniques used to contain someone who is considered a danger to themselves or others.

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai Releases Statement on NCGA Spending Plan

STATEMENT — North Carolina lawmakers passed a stopgap spending plan also known as a "mini budget" which was signed by Governor Josh Stein today. $600 million was included to support both the Medicaid rebase and the Medicaid Oversight Fund, however, this appropriation equates to a shortfall of $319 million for the Medicaid rebase. Despite careful efforts by NCDHHS to avoid disruptions to service, fully funding the rebase is necessary to maintain the current level of care across the state. To remain within budget, NCDHHS now has two options to address a shortfall from an insufficient rebase;

NCDHHS Partners with the North Carolina Community College System to Offer Free Training to Strengthen the Direct Support Professional Workforce

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Community College System have partnered to launch an Advanced Training Certificate program for current Direct Support Professionals or people interested in pursuing a career in the field. The DSP workforce is critical in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and thrive in communities of their choice. They provide a wide range of supports from daily tasks like bathing, eating and taking medications to connecting people with community resources and employment

Back to School Means Time to Get Children Up to Date on Required and Recommended Vaccines

PRESS RELEASE — As children across North Carolina return to school this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds families that vaccinations are an important part of overall health and back-to-school success.

NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

PRESS RELEASE — As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.