Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first reported flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season. An adult in the western part of the state died due to complications of flu during the first week of October. To protect the privacy of the family, no additional information will be released.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will rescind the State Health Director’s standing orders that allowed people to receive COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s approval of updated recommendations that allow for vaccination without a prescription. The standing orders will be rescinded on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to give North Carolina pharmacies time to adopt protocols that align with the approved recommendations.

PRESS RELEASE — Governor Josh Stein and NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai got their annual flu shots today at Walgreens in Raleigh, North Carolina and encourage North Carolinians to get vaccinated against seasonal viruses to best protect themselves from serious illness and hospitalization. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available at a variety of locations including pharmacies, where many North Carolinians choose to receive their vaccines. October is a great time to get vaccinated to have the strongest protection during peak respiratory virus season through winter.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced Standing Orders issued by State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt to allow pharmacists at retail locations to test and treat for influenza. Beginning on Oct. 1, 2025, pharmacists across the state will be able to test for the influenza virus and then immediately treat with the appropriate medications to reduce severity of illness when appropriate as authorized under House Bill 67.

MEDIA ADVISORY — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services invite members of the media to attend a virtual press conference at 3:15 p.m. today, Sept. 12, to discuss access to COVID-19 vaccines.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Caregiving Workforce Strategic Leadership Council reconvened Thursday, Sept. 11, to celebrate achievements and reaffirm its commitment to strengthen the state’s caregiving workforce, specifically in the fields of nursing, direct care, and mental health and substance use.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of California, San Francisco recently launched the Juul Labs Document Repository, a public archive of nearly 5 million internal company records. This project, funded by North Carolina’s settlement with Juul Labs, offers an inside look at the marketing, product development and business strategies that fueled the youth vaping epidemic.

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.