Press Releases

NC Early Childhood Summit Takes Place Wednesday

Stakeholders from across the state in early childhood health, education and child welfare will gather Wednesday for the 2019 NC Early Childhood Summit in Raleigh to launch the release of the NC Early Childhood Action Plan.   Speakers include Governor Roy Cooper, NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., former Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper and a keynote address by Dr. Jack Shonkoff, director of the Harvard Center on the Developing Child.

DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen Named One of 2019’s Top 25 Women Leaders

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2019’s Top 25 Women Leaders. Modern Healthcare’s biennial recognition program honors the top women health care executives who are influencing health policy and care delivery models across the country. 

DHHS Seeks Stakeholder Engagement on Innovative Healthy Opportunities Pilots

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a policy paper and a Request for Information (RFI) to invite feedback on the Healthy Opportunities Pilots — a groundbreaking program that will test and evaluate the impact of integrating evidence-based, non-medical services into the delivery of health care. 

March Food and Nutrition Services Benefits To Be Delivered Early

Because of the federal shutdown at the beginning of the year, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to adjust distribution schedules for Food and Nutrition Services benefits. March benefits for all recipients will be distributed by March 3.  

DHHS Announces Funding to Community-Based Organizations to Promote Physical Activity, Proper Nutrition and Better Health

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has selected seven organizations across the state to receive federal funds to promote healthier living through better nutrition and increased physical activity in the communities they serve. Cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes are among the top 10 leading causes of death in North Carolina.

DHHS Receives $10 Million Grant to Promote Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently received a five-year, $10-million federal grant to improve the health and well-being of adults and children with challenging mental health issues who live in high need communities.

Flu Activity Widespread in North Carolina

Influenza activity is rising in North Carolina as we move closer to the peak of the 2018-19 flu season. Although vaccination early in the season is preferred, it is never too late to get vaccinated and help protect yourself and others from the spread of this dangerous, sometimes deadly virus.

DHHS Announces Prepaid Health Plan Contracts for Medicaid Managed Care

Today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the selection of Prepaid Health Plans that will participate in Medicaid managed care when the program launches in November 2019. Contracts were awarded after careful evaluation of all responses to the Request for Proposal issued by DHHS on Aug. 9, 2018.

DHHS’ Office of Rural Health Seeks Input on Loan Repayment and Incentive Programs to Aid Underserved Areas

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is hosting six meetings across the state to gather stakeholder input regarding the J-1 Visa Waiver program and NC’s Loan Repayment and Incentive Programs under N.C. General Assembly Session Law HB 998. The meetings are open to the public and are intended to gather feedback about current processes and possible program modifications to help ensure maximum benefits to rural North Carolina communities. 

DHHS, Mountain Area Health Education Center to Train Next Generation of NC Doctors to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with the Mountain Area Health Education Center to increase the number of doctors who graduate from North Carolina residency programs with the training necessary to provide medication-assisted treatment for patients with opioid use disorder through a grant awarded to the state by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.