Topics Related to Mental Health

DHHS Temporarily Takes Over Cardinal Innovations to Return Organizational Focus to Consumers

Effective immediately, the N.C Department of Health and Human Services has temporarily assumed leadership of Cardinal Innovations, an LME-MCO authorized under state law to provide essential behavioral services using public funds.

DHHS Statement on Cardinal Innovations

DHHS has released two documents related to our investigation of Cardinal Innovations. First, as required by state law, DHHS Office of Internal Audit has conducted a six-month Follow-Up Assessment based on the Office of State Audit report that was released in May 2017. Second, DHHS Office of Internal Audit has provided an additional interim report to DHHS leadership associated with a site visit it conducted at Cardinal Innovations on October 30.

DHHS Statement on Audit of Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions

Statement from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on its audit of Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions: After the Office of the State Auditor found unreasonable spending by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, DHHS sent auditors to conduct a detailed examination and determined that in addition to the excessive salary for the CEO, several employees have severance allowances that may stretch to 36 months. This is excessive and raises concerns about the entity's solvency and ability to continue to provide services in the event of a significant change in its leadership team. Cardinal should immediately bring its salary/compensation package for its CEO in line with the other LME/MCOs, and shed its excessive severance offerings. DHHS will continue to monitor Cardinal's performance.

DHHS Joins Forces with Prescribers and Payers to Fight the NC Opioid Epidemic

DHHS has established a Payers' Council to bring together health care payers across the state to partner on benefit design, member services and pharmacy policies to reduce opioid misuse and overdose.

Statement from Secretary Cohen on Delivery of Behavioral Health Services in Nash County

Statement from N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., about status of mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities services to residents of Nash County:

New Contracts Focus on Improved Behavioral Health Outcomes

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is strengthening its contracts by seeking improved outcomes from the organizations that manage behavioral health care services supported with Medicaid and state mental health funds.

Two Hospitals Selected to Increase Rural Psychiatric and Substance Use Treatment Capacity

The new beds will help reduce travel distances to inpatient beds and decrease wait times for individuals in emergency departments who need inpatient behavioral health care. At least half of the beds will serve people who are unable to pay for care, or have Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE.

Governor Cooper Announces $31 Million Grant to Fight Opioid Epidemic in NC

North Carolina is a recipient of more than $31 million to address the opioid crisis through the 21st Century Cures Act, State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants.

Work Healthy Living Into New Year's Resolutions

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services encourages adding healthy and smart lifestyle choices to New Year’s resolutions for the coming year.

DHHS Secretary Rick Brajer Receives Award for Work in Mental Health

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Rick Brajer has been presented the John Baggett Advocate Award from the North Carolina chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).