Press Releases

Telemedicine Program Launched to Increase Access to Lifesaving COVID-19 Treatments

People who test positive for COVID-19, particularly those who are uninsured or don’t have a primary care doctor, will have better access to treatments thanks to a time-limited telemedicine program launched by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with StarMed Healthcare. After a positive test, early treatment is key to avoiding severe illness and hospitalizations, and treatment may even reduce complications from post-COVID conditions, also called long COVID.

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

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

NCDHHS Encourages Screening and Testing During National HIV Testing Day

At the end of 2021, an estimated 4,000 people were living with HIV in North Carolina and unaware of their HIV+ status. Getting tested routinely and knowing their status means people can get treatment quicker.
 

NCDHHS Encourages Screening, Testing and Vaccination During Hepatitis Awareness Month to Reduce the Spread of Disease

Due to the high prevalence and underdiagnosis of viral hepatitis, the NC Department of Health and Human Services recognizes May as Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day.

NCDHHS Releases Blueprint on Building and Maintaining a Strong Public Health Workforce

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today published Governmental Public Health: Workforce and Infrastructure Improvement in Action, a review of the public health workforce and infrastructure across North Carolina. The paper provides an overview of select programs and opportunities within the NCDHHS Division of Public Health that aim to strengthen the public health infrastructure and support workforce development while reducing disparities and advancing equity.

Powdered Infant Formula Recalled, FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Certain Powdered Infant Formulas

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is cautioning families about certain infant formula that has been recalled by Abbott for potentially containing a bacteria that can lead to hospitalization in infants. The recall includes powdered formulas Similac, Alimentum, EleCare and EleCare Jr., and they should not be used.

NC National Guard to Support Alamance Regional Medical Center Amid Omicron Surge

The North Carolina National Guard is deploying guard members to Alamance Regional Medical Center, part of the Cone Health System, in Burlington, N.C. to support staff and hospital operations. The 25 NCNG soldiers and airmen will arrive Thursday morning.

NCDHHS Secretary Issues Secretarial Advisory Urging Vaccination and Boosters Against COVID-19, Omicron Variant

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. today issued the below Secretarial Advisory, urging the following actions to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

NCDHHS Releases 2020-2021 North Carolina Safer Syringe Initiative Annual Report

Programs that provide overdose prevention and syringe access are serving more people and potentially saving more lives, according to the 2020-2021 North Carolina Safer Syringe Initiative Annual Report released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

NCDHHS Announces New Dental Health Training Program for Adults with I/DD

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a new dental public health training program: Oral Health Training Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The program, launched by NCDHHS’s Division of Public Health’s Oral Health Section, aligns with its mission to improve the oral health of North Carolinians and to support dental public health workforce development.