Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to join NCDHHS leadership for a ribbon-cutting at the Promise Resource Network’s Raleigh Recovery Café on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Disorders, will speak at the event.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced 22 measles cases in North Carolina since late December 2025. As cases continue to rise across the state, NCDHHS urges vaccination for everyone ages one year and older and recommends health care providers consider early vaccination for infants living in or routinely visiting certain areas in North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a report detailing progress increasing access to quality mental health, developmental disability, and substance use services for all North Carolinians. The year-one progress report on the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS) 2024-2029 strategic plan highlights achievements in the seven priority areas geared toward creating a comprehensive mental health care system that works for everyone.

PRESS RELEASE — Today Governor Stein signed an executive order to improve behavioral health care and public safety in North Carolina. Executive Order 33 directs several cabinet agencies to take action strengthening how the state’s behavioral health and criminal justice systems coordinate and serve the public. The Governor was joined by Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS’ Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services; Secretary of Public Safety Jeff Smythe; Secretary of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes; Director of State Human Resources Staci Meyer;

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is sharing resources and urging vaccination as measles cases increase across the state. The latest update to the Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard shows 15 cases in North Carolina since late December 2025, with the first hospitalized case announced last week. As cases persist, NCDHHS is launching new outreach tools to share measles information

PRESS RELEASE — Today Governor Josh Stein visited RHA Health Services’ Alamance County Behavioral Health Center in Burlington to host a roundtable discussion with community leaders highlighting the critical role that crisis and mental health services play in keeping North Carolinians healthy and safe. The Alamance Center is a partnership of county, state, and local management entities (LMEs) that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and other behavioral health needs.

PRESS RELEASE — With another winter storm coming to North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to prepare now. A little planning can help prevent injuries and keep families safe in upcoming cold temperatures and potential snow.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. in partnership with LATIN-19 and with the Duke Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. During this event, participants will discuss simple steps to protect you and your family from respiratory illness; who should get updated flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines; and how to find testing and treatment. The panel will also provide resources for families and offer a broader

PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolinians prepare for severe winter weather conditions this weekend, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services cautions people not to use gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter weather.

PRESS RELEASE — In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness Day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the “I Gave Birth” campaign to support better birth outcomes for mothers in North Carolina in the weeks after childbirth. “I Gave Birth” collaborates with 48 participating hospitals and providers to improve postpartum care during the “fourth trimester,” which is the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Each new mother receives a bracelet to serve as a visual reminder for the mother, her family and medical providers for vigilant monitoring of the mother’s