Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend the unveiling of the first Mobile Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) unit in North Carolina. Mobile OTPs reduce barriers to participation in treatment by making it easier for those seeking treatment to move into and maintain recovery. The mobile unit is sponsored by Morse Clinics opioid treatment programs in North Carolina. Morse Clinics are committed to providing Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and counseling services for those experiencing Opioid Use Disorder. Morse Clinics serve Wake, Chatham, Johnston, Halifax, Granville, Franklin, Warren, Northampton, Person, Orange, Randolph, Vance, Harnett and Durham counties.

PRESS RELEASE — As children across North Carolina return to school this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds families that vaccinations are an important part of overall health and back-to-school success.

PRESS RELEASE — As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced the state’s first case of disease associated with West Nile virus in 2025. The case occurred in a resident of Durham County. To protect the patient’s privacy, no further information will be provided.

STATEMENT — Today, the U.S. House passed the Senate reconciliation bill. The bill includes significant changes to federal funding for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and other public health and social support programs. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reviewing the final legislation to determine its full impact on the state and its residents. NCDHHS will provide additional information as more details become available and will remain focused on serving the people of North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai toured western North Carolina this week, where he learned more about two critical support programs for people recovering from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.

PRESS RELEASE — Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, a distinguished physician, professor and public health champion, has been appointed as State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and will begin his duties on Monday, June 2, 2025. He is widely recognized for his commitment to high-quality care for medically and socially complex patients, his leadership in medical education and his pioneering work to improve mental health and addiction services.

PRESS RELEASE — As summer approaches, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to take simple, proactive steps to enjoy outdoor activities safely. With the arrival of warmer weather, NCDHHS is highlighting key tips on water safety, heat protection and food safety to help prevent illness, injury and death.

PRESS RELEASE — As families across North Carolina prepare for summer camps and back-to-school requirements, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is making it easier for those who are eligible to find free childhood vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program by launching a new VFC provider map.

PRESS RELEASE — Today the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services joined the NC AIDS Action Network for an event to raise awareness about the important work underway to end the HIV epidemic in North Carolina. State leaders and advocates highlighted the progress at-risk due to expected cuts at the federal level.

PRESS RELEASE — To encourage more health care providers to serve in rural areas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering the opportunity for educational loan repayments. This program, known as the North Carolina Primary Care Physician Incentive, is available to qualifying physicians committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care in independent private practices in certain rural counties.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The 33rd annual North Carolina Paramedic Competition will take place Sunday, May 4, at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center. Six groups from across the state will compete for the title of Top Paramedic Team during the annual NC Emergency Medical Services Expo.

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. 

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is asking people and providers to be on alert for mpox cases following the detection of mpox particles in multiple sewage samples found through routine wastewater testing. This year there have been two cases of mpox in North Carolina and the new wastewater detections were determined to be another type, clade I, not previously found in North Carolina. These detections indicate potential undiagnosed or unreported cases. At this time, the risk to the public remains low.

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 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 — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to prevent and eliminate the spread of rabies. Starting this week, Wildlife Services will be distributing the annual oral rabies vaccine for raccoons in Western North Carolina. This oral rabies distribution program typically takes place annually each fall but was delayed in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene.

PRESS RELEASE — As measles cases continue to rise across the country, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is taking proactive steps to ensure the state remains prepared for any potential cases or outbreaks. While there have been no reported cases of measles in North Carolina so far in 2025, public health officials are urging residents, health care providers and child care centers to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their communities and those at highest risk, especially unvaccinated children.

PRESS RELEASE — Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and former State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson were recognized for their exemplary accomplishments in public health with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Ron H. Levine Public Health Award at the annual North Carolina Public Health Leaders’ Conference on March 13.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently updated its weekly Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which shows an increase in flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths reported this season to 362. This is the highest number of flu deaths reported since the 2017-2018 flu season.