Press Releases
Statement from NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., on NC House Budget Veto Override
Thursday, September 12, 2019The budget and the House vote process are profoundly disappointing. In a time of a surplus, this budget makes massive cuts to DHHS that will potentially impact everything from health inspections of restaurants to the safety of drinking water to child protective services. This budget harms the people of North Carolina and fails to protect basic health and safety services that millions of people take for granted.
Food and Nutrition Services Benefits to be Issued Early, WIC Flexibilities Allowed due to Hurricane Dorian
Friday, September 6, 2019North Carolina households who currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will receive September 2019 benefits early so that they can purchase necessary food immediately following Hurricane Dorian’s landfall. The state of North Carolina will make more than $88 million available to approximately 380,000 households to enable them to immediately purchase food and replace food that was lost as a result of the disaster.
How to Keep Wells Safe Before and After Flood
Wednesday, September 4, 2019North Carolinians can take action to better prepare private wells for a flood ahead of Hurricane Dorian, even if you are making plans to evacuate. The Division of Public Health has issued guidance to help keep your well safe before and after a flood.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During and After Hurricane Dorian
Wednesday, September 4, 2019 As North Carolinians prepare for Hurricane Dorian, officials with the North Carolina Division of Public Health caution you not to use gasoline-powered generators, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces.NCDHHS Extends Open Enrollment for Medicaid Beneficiaries, Announces Statewide Move to Managed Care in February
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today that it will extend open enrollment for Medicaid beneficiaries and move to a statewide transition to managed care on February 1, 2020. DHHS shared the following announcement: Managed care in North Carolina was scheduled to roll out in two phases, with Medicaid beneficiaries in part of the state beginning managed care services on Nov. 1, 2019 and most of the state beginning on Feb. 1, 2020. With today’s announcement managed care will now go-live in one phase for the whole state beginning on Feb.1, 2020.NC Opioid Overdose Deaths Drop for First Time in 5 Years
Thursday, August 29, 2019 For the first time in five years the number of unintentional opioid-related overdose deaths among North Carolina residents has fallen. According to preliminary data collected by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, unintentional opioid-related overdose deaths decreased by 5 percent in 2018. In 2017, deaths increased 34 percent from the year before.NCDHHS Dedicates New Broughton Hospital Building
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services officials joined other state and local officials today to dedicate the new Broughton Hospital, one of the state's three acute care psychiatric hospitals. "Today’s dedication marks the start of a new era of acute mental health care for residents of our 37 western counties," said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. "From start to finish, the hospital was designed by and for the people it serves. It was built with the understanding that wellbeing is rooted in whole-person health care."Three Hospitalizations Among Patients Who Reported Vaping
Friday, August 16, 2019The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating recent reports of severe lung disease after vaping. Three patients have been hospitalized in North Carolina since late July and similar cases have been reported from other states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, California and Minnesota. No deaths have been reported.
Test Results Show Highest Toxic Algae Levels Recorded in Chowan River this Year
Friday, August 16, 2019The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging the public to stay out of the Chowan River near Indian Creek because of an algal bloom producing the highest levels of toxin recorded this year.
High Temperatures Return to Parts of NC; Heat Illness-Related Emergency Department Visits Top 3,100
Wednesday, August 14, 2019According to the Division of Public Health, there were 3,150 heat-related hospital emergency department visits reported from May 1 to Aug. 10, due to the combination of heat and humidity — particularly during periods of extreme heat. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging precautions, especially on hot days.
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