Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Newborn Screening Program has been awarded a federal grant that supports enhancements to the state's newborn screening system. This funding is intended to improve health outcomes for newborns and children with disorders identified through newborn screening, and will improve access to treatment and follow-up care for babies born in North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss how aging adults, particularly those living in rural communities in the state, can support their health and access the care they need.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies. Starting this week, Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons in Western North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — State health leaders met at the Governor’s Mansion on Sept. 20 to discuss increasing affordable access for some breast cancer screenings.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss common health needs and how to find support. As the event takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month, NCDHHS and participants will honor Hispanic and Latino communities across the state and share health-related information and resources.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to be selected among several entities for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration investment in increasing access to maternal care, addressing maternal mental health and growing the maternal health workforce in North Carolina. The department is committed to addressing the maternal mortality crisis and ongoing disparities among infant and maternal mortality rates, particularly in underserved areas. Black babies in North Carolina are 2.5 times more likely to die than white babies, and Black women experience almost twice the rate of maternal mortality than white women.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds people to take precautions against mosquito bites following recent reports of West Nile virus infection in the state. Late summer and early autumn are the most common time to become infected with mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina like WNV.

MEDIA ADVISORY - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will get the annual flu vaccine, as well as the fall COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, which Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed at "Get Your Flu Shot Day." Secretary Kinsley will get both vaccines at 2:30 p.m. at a CVS Pharmacy in Raleigh.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are recognizing SepticSmart Week Sept. 18-22, 2023. This annual event focuses on educating homeowners and communities on the proper care and maintenance of their septic systems. Proper care and maintenance protects the health and well-being of all North Carolinians by ensuring safe drinking water, preventing waterborne diseases, preserving the environment, maintaining property values and reducing repair costs.

PRESS RELEASE - A new report showcases how North Carolina supported and invested in its child care programs so they could remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, preserving the state’s early childhood education infrastructure and setting it apart from other states.