Topics Related to Public Health

Governor Stein Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week

PRESS RELEASE — Today Governor Josh Stein joined Senator Natalie Murdock, the Legislative Black Caucus, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to recognize Black Maternal Health Week and raise awareness of ongoing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

NCDHHS Shares Prevention Guidance as Legionnaires’ Disease Risk Increases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is raising awareness of Legionnaires’ disease as cases have increased statewide and globally in recent years. North Carolina reported 310 cases in 2025 compared to 201 cases in 2024.

NCDHHS Launches NC Injury Data User Toolkit, Hosts Virtual Learning Session

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to join the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) for a virtual media availability to introduce the North Carolina Injury Data User Toolkit, a new resource designed to help users better understand, interpret and apply IVPB data in North Carolina. This interactive session on Wednesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. will demonstrate the toolkit’s features and show how IVPB data can be used to improve data literacy and support data-informed decision making.

Postponed Wildlife Oral Rabies Vaccination Program to Resume in April to Help Protect North Carolinians and Their Pets

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies. Starting in April, Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons in western North Carolina. This program was postponed from October 2025 due to the federal government shutdown at that time.

NCDHHS Shares Provider Guidance, Updates as Measles Cases Rise

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced 22 measles cases in North Carolina since late December 2025. As cases continue to rise across the state, NCDHHS urges vaccination for everyone ages one year and older and recommends health care providers consider early vaccination for infants living in or routinely visiting certain areas in North Carolina.

Measles Cases Continue to Increase, NCDHHS Shares New Outreach Tools and Materials

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is sharing resources and urging vaccination as measles cases increase across the state. The latest update to the Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard shows 15 cases in North Carolina since late December 2025, with the first hospitalized case announced last week. As cases persist, NCDHHS is launching new outreach tools to share measles information

Winter Weather Preparedness: How North Carolinians Can Stay Safe

PRESS RELEASE — With another winter storm coming to North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to prepare now. A little planning can help prevent injuries and keep families safe in upcoming cold temperatures and potential snow.

NCDHHS Livestream Spanish-language Cafecito and Tele-Town Hall: Simple Steps, Big Protection: Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. in partnership with LATIN-19 and with the Duke Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. During this event, participants will discuss simple steps to protect you and your family from respiratory illness; who should get updated flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines; and how to find testing and treatment. The panel will also provide resources for families and offer a broader

NCDHHS Offers Tips to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Severe Winter Weather

PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolinians prepare for severe winter weather conditions this weekend, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services cautions people not to use gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter weather.

NCDHHS Launches "I Gave Birth” Campaign in Honor of Maternal Health Day, Highlights Resources for Women and Families

PRESS RELEASE — In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness Day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the “I Gave Birth” campaign to support better birth outcomes for mothers in North Carolina in the weeks after childbirth. “I Gave Birth” collaborates with 48 participating hospitals and providers to improve postpartum care during the “fourth trimester,” which is the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Each new mother receives a bracelet to serve as a visual reminder for the mother, her family and medical providers for vigilant monitoring of the mother’s