Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will rescind the State Health Director’s standing orders that allowed people to receive COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s approval of updated recommendations that allow for vaccination without a prescription. The standing orders will be rescinded on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to give North Carolina pharmacies time to adopt protocols that align with the approved recommendations.

PRESS RELEASE — Governor Josh Stein and NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai got their annual flu shots today at Walgreens in Raleigh, North Carolina and encourage North Carolinians to get vaccinated against seasonal viruses to best protect themselves from serious illness and hospitalization. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available at a variety of locations including pharmacies, where many North Carolinians choose to receive their vaccines. October is a great time to get vaccinated to have the strongest protection during peak respiratory virus season through winter.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced Standing Orders issued by State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt to allow pharmacists at retail locations to test and treat for influenza. Beginning on Oct. 1, 2025, pharmacists across the state will be able to test for the influenza virus and then immediately treat with the appropriate medications to reduce severity of illness when appropriate as authorized under House Bill 67.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released the state’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2026–2030. The five-year plan outlines a coordinated, evidence-based approach and promising practices to reduce suicide deaths and self-harm injuries statewide.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the introduction of three new Citizen Review Panels to evaluate child welfare services and make system improvement recommendations aimed at strengthening the safety and well-being of children and families across the state. Applications to serve on a Citizen Review Panel are open now at the NCDHHS Citizen Review Panels website and will remain open until Nov. 15, 2025.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a special webinar celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Wednesday Oct. 1, 2025. The session will explore the powerful connection between culture, identity, and mental health within Hispanic and Latino communities.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss who is eligible for Medicaid, how Medicaid expansion supports the health of communities across the state, ways to apply for health coverage and what to know about upcoming federal changes to the program.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking job applicants to work at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (JIRDC) and will host a hiring event on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center in Morganton. JIRDC is a state-operated developmental center dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

READOUT — North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai traveled to western North Carolina this week to participate in a Day of Service in coordination with Governor Stein and other Cabinet leaders to show their commitment to Hurricane Helene recovery one year after the storm. The Secretary also met with Buncombe County Health and Human Services and Lincoln County Department of Social Services to learn more about the successes and challenges they face at the county level.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend the "Responding to the Opioid and Substance Use Crisis in North Carolina’s Rural Coastal Communities" conference on September 19, 2025, in Morehead City. Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, will deliver the keynote address on how opioid use impacts rural coastal communities.