Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), launched in response to Hurricane Helene, will officially end on May 31, 2025. The U.S. Health and Human Services program has provided temporary, no-cost access to prescription medications and vaccines as well as certain medical supplies and forms of equipment for uninsured individuals impacted by the storm.

PRESS RELEASE — To encourage more health care providers to serve in rural areas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering the opportunity for educational loan repayments. This program, known as the North Carolina Primary Care Physician Incentive, is available to qualifying physicians committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care in independent private practices in certain rural counties.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first round of SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2025 has successfully reached more than one million children, with $121 million distributed to eligible families across the state.

STATEMENT — Effective Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Vance County Department of Social Services, as authorized under state law.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, May 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss how people can support their mental well-being, find resources and get help for themselves or someone else who is struggling with mental health or experiencing a crisis.

PRESS RELEASE — The Cape Fear Valley Cumberland EMS team of Jessica Haines and Hannah Thompson claimed the top honors at the 33rd annual North Carolina Paramedic Competition held on Sunday, May 4, in Greensboro, earning the state title for the first time.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the release of a new dashboard highlighting the success of North Carolina’s Peer Warmline. The Warmline is a free resource for people experiencing emotional difficulty, mental health issues, substance use challenges, or for those who just need to talk with someone who understands what they are going through. Since launch, warmline counselors have received more than 67,000 calls, and 99% of callers who responded to a recent survey expressed satisfaction with the support they received. The dashboard

PRESS RELEASE —The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of a digital resource to help people with disabilities in the workforce. North Carolina DB101 was guided by beneficiaries and their experiences with the goal to simplify how to apply for, access and understand public benefits. This new resource will help North Carolinians navigate programs such as social security disability insurance, food and nutrition services and Medicaid.

PRESS RELEASE — The SUN Bucks food program is back for 2025 and is expected to provide benefits to more than one million school children in North Carolina this summer. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction are partnering again to administer the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program known as "SUN Bucks."

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), Harnett County Schools and Hazel Health are gathering on Wednesday, May 7, to officially kick off their partnership that will bring virtual mental health care services to over 400,000 of North Carolina’s K-12 student population.