Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how educators and community leaders can address youth vaping and best support North Carolina students.
PRESS RELEASE — Governor Roy Cooper declares Aug. 31 Overdose Awareness Day in North Carolina — a day to remember those lost to overdose, honor their families and renew our commitment to ending the crisis.
PRESS RELEASE — As children across North Carolina head back to school this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds families that vaccinations are an important part of back-to-school success and overall health and well-being.
PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolinians experience the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, officials with the North Carolina Emergency Management and the Department of Health and Human Services warns against use of gasoline-powered generators, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a significant expansion of the North Carolina Human Donor Milk Program, adding five new donor depots across the state. This initiative, led by the NCDHHS Division of Public Health in partnership with WakeMed, aims to enhance the availability of pasteurized human donor milk to support the health and well-being of infants, particularly those who are premature or medically fragile.
PRESS RELEASE — North Carolinians can take action to better prepare private wells for a flood ahead of Tropical Storm Debby. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance to help keep your well safe before and after a flood.
PRESS RELEASE — After conducting water quality monitoring along Lake Gaston and the waters that feed into the lake, and in coordination with Virginia partners of observations of the plume, officials have determined that no contaminants have reached North Carolina waters at a measurable level. Based on sampling and observations from both Virginia and North Carolina environmental officials, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommended local health departments in the areas surrounding Lake Gaston lift recreational and fish consumption advisories for the Roanoke River near the North Carolina state line sent on July 13.
Press Release — The North Carolina State Emergency Response Team is in close coordination with agencies in Virginia regarding the ongoing environmental issue resulting from the South Hill, VA Warehouse Fire that occurred on July 6, 2024. The warehouse facility contained a large quantity of agricultural chemicals and runoff from the firefighting efforts has entered several water systems in southern Virginia, including the Meherrin River from its confluence with Mountain Creek, and the Miles and Dockery Creeks, upstream of the Roanoke River (Lake Gaston).
PRESS RELEASE — As temperatures remain high, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging residents to enjoy recreational waters safely and be aware of possible health risks, including harmful algal blooms. Certain infections are also more common during summer such as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), vibriosis and cryptosporidiosis.
MEDIA ADVISORY — As part of the national “Summer of Giving,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will be donating blood on Wednesday, July 10, at The Blood Connection in Raleigh. The Blood Connection, in partnership with GLAAD, has joined the national “Summer of Giving” blood drive campaign to encourage all eligible individuals to donate.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services continues to respond to the recent increase in syphilis and congenital syphilis cases with NC Medicaid now covering point of care rapid testing for syphilis and HIV. This new coverage, effective Jan. 1, 2024, allows Medicaid recipients to access rapid testing directly from their Medicaid-enrolled provider.
PRESS RELEASE— The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live, Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Thursday, May 30, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss vaping prevention for youth in North Carolina as well as ways parents and caregivers can support their families. 
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Wednesday, May 29, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss vaping prevention and resources for youth in North Carolina as well as ways parents and caregivers can support their families.
PRESS RELEASE — As summer approaches, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is emphasizing the importance of safe swimming, heat safety and safe grilling practices to help prevent illness, injury and death. May is National Water Safety Month, and May 20-26, 2024, is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 20th annual Healthy and Safe Swimming Week. NCDHHS is encouraging families and individuals to focus on safety as everyone gathers for outdoor activities in anticipation of Memorial Day.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live, Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Tuesday, May 21, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss maternal health in North Carolina and provide resources to support physical and mental well-being before, during and after pregnancy.
MEDIA ADVISORY — In honor of Women’s Health Week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is celebrating the expansion of contraceptive services in independent and chain pharmacies across the state. Soon people statewide will be able to receive contraceptive services at pharmacies without a prescription from another medical provider, including counseling and education from a pharmacist about options for contraception and other preventive services, dispensing of contraception and connection to ongoing care if needed.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Tues., April 30, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss cancer prevention, guidance, resources and care for the Hispanic/Latino community.
MEDIA ADVISORY — Leaders from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, NC Department of Public Instruction and State Board of Education will join a roundtable with Guilford County Schools on Wednesday, April 24, to discuss the importance of school-based resources in improving physical and behavioral health outcomes for North Carolina children and families. NCDHHS received a historic $835 million to transform behavioral health care in North Carolina, with $80 million specifically focused on children and family well-being. Of that funding, this year, NCDHHS is investing $7 million in services like school-based telehealth to ensure children have better access to behavioral health support and treatment.
MEDIA ADVISORY — The 32nd annual North Carolina Paramedic Competition will take place Sunday, April 28, at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center. Six groups from across the state will complete for the title of Top Paramedic Team, including the reigning champions Pender EMS. The competition occurs during the annual NC Emergency Medical Services Expo.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention as well as HPV-related cancer guidance, resources and care.