Topics Related to Mental Health

PRESS RELEASE — The Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center in Black Mountain, N.C. recently unveiled a new patient care unit and announced an innovative partnership to redefine recovery journeys. JFK is one of two alcohol and drug abuse treatment facilities in North Carolina operated by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. It currently provides inpatient and outpatient services, including medical detox, psychiatric stabilization, substance use disorder and mental health treatment using best practice standards — including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care and "Seeking Safety."

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to be selected among several entities for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration investment in increasing access to maternal care, addressing maternal mental health and growing the maternal health workforce in North Carolina. The department is committed to addressing the maternal mortality crisis and ongoing disparities among infant and maternal mortality rates, particularly in underserved areas. Black babies in North Carolina are 2.5 times more likely to die than white babies, and Black women experience almost twice the rate of maternal mortality than white women.

MEDIA ADVISORY - Carole Johnson, Administrator for the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be joined by Kody Kinsley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, grantees and families at Wake County Public Health Center on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, to announce new federal funding to combat maternal mortality and improve maternal health, particularly in underserved communities.

PRESS RELEASE - September marks National Recovery Month, an opportunity to celebrate any changes towards wellness and a healthier, happier life. It specifically highlights people in recovery from substance use and mental health conditions, while also promoting treatment and recovery practices. The theme of Recovery Month is "Every Person. Every Family. Every Community." — an important reminder that recovery is all around us.

PRESS RELEASE - Suicide is a statewide and national public health crisis impacting people of all ages across all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Suicide awareness is key to saving lives, and with September recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services remembers those affected by suicide and is raising awareness of treatments and resources available to everyone in the community.

MEDIA ADVISORY - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley — alongside NC State Senators Jim Burgin and Norman Sanderson — will host a community discussion in Elizabeth City, N.C, on Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. on improving mental health care in North Carolina. NCDHHS is committed to transforming behavioral health and resilience, as more than three million people in North Carolina have mental health or substance use disorders.

PRESS RELEASE - Governor Roy Cooper declared today Overdose Awareness Day in North Carolina. Overdose Awareness Day is about remembering those whose lives have been lost to overdose, honoring family and community grief, and renewing our commitment to ending the overdose crisis in North Carolina. This day also recognizes state, county and community partners as they continue to work together to reduce stigma associated with substance use and increase access to support and services so people can get the help they need to recover.

MEDIA ADVISORY - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley — alongside NC State Senator Jim Burgin, NC State Representative Howard Penny and Campbell University leadership — will host a community discussion in Lillington, N.C, on Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. on improving the mental health of college students across North Carolina.

MEDIA ADVISORY - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will join the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities for a statewide virtual and in-person town hall on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss substance use, overdose prevention and how we can support teens and young adults in North Carolina.