Press Releases

Statement from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on its audit of Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions: After the Office of the State Auditor found unreasonable spending by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, DHHS sent auditors to conduct a detailed examination and determined that in addition to the excessive salary for the CEO, several employees have severance allowances that may stretch to 36 months. This is excessive and raises concerns about the entity's solvency and ability to continue to provide services in the event of a significant change in its

DHHS has established a Payers' Council to bring together health care payers across the state to partner on benefit design, member services and pharmacy policies to reduce opioid misuse and overdose.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is strengthening its contracts by seeking improved outcomes from the organizations that manage behavioral health care services supported with Medicaid and state mental health funds.

Statement from N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., about status of mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities services to residents of Nash County:

The new beds will help reduce travel distances to inpatient beds and decrease wait times for individuals in emergency departments who need inpatient behavioral health care. At least half of the beds will serve people who are unable to pay for care, or have Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE.

North Carolina is a recipient of more than $31 million to address the opioid crisis through the 21st Century Cures Act, State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services encourages adding healthy and smart lifestyle choices to New Year’s resolutions for the coming year.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Rick Brajer has been presented the John Baggett Advocate Award from the North Carolina chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking applicants to develop recommendations of Governor Pat McCrory’s Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use, including employing case management and other targeted strategies to help those with mental health and substance use issues across the state. 

Patients have been safely moved and now occupy the new Cherry Hospital as of Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. The hospital, dedicated Aug. 30 in a ceremony attended by Gov. Pat McCrory, provides psychiatric care to individuals with the greatest need and  the least resources who live in 38 eastern North Carolina counties.