Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — This Earth Day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recognizing the essential role environmental health plays in protecting and promoting a safe and healthy environment for all North Carolinians. 

READOUT — North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai today visited Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, one of three psychiatric hospitals operated by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Cherry Hospital serves 38 counties in the eastern region of the state with a mission to provide excellent psychiatric care to individuals with the greatest need and the fewest resources.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to offer additional services for defendants with mental illness whom the court has determined Incapable to Proceed (ITP) to trial. Building on the success of NC RISE in Mecklenburg and Pitt Counties, the program in Wake County is part of the department’s continued work to ensure the right behavioral health care is available at the right time for all North Carolinians.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Leaders from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office will hold a joint news conference at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Wake County Detention Center, located at 3301 Hammond Road in Raleigh, North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — As warmer weather approaches, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging North Carolinians to "Fight the Bite" by taking measures to reduce their risk of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. In 2024, more than 900 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses were reported statewide. 

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced funding to community-based programs in Western North Carolina that provide alternatives to incarceration. The $6.5 million will support diversion programs and reentry services in counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. These counties include, but are not limited to, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Rutherford, Surry and Wilkes.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today reported more than 500 flu-related deaths for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. This is the highest number of statewide flu deaths recorded since broad reporting began in 2009.

PRESS RELEASE — Governor Josh Stein announced that as of today, 650,000 newly eligible North Carolinians have gained access to affordable health care through Medicaid expansion, including veterans and workers in child care, construction, hospitality, home health care and other industries essential to the state.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, April 10, 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 experiencing a mental health crisis.

PRESS RELEASE — Today, Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai joined rural health providers and community leaders for a roundtable discussion on how access to health care coverage through NC Medicaid is a lifeline for rural communities. With Congress considering cuts to the program, leaders noted rural communities would be particularly hard hit.