Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a report detailing progress increasing access to quality mental health, developmental disability, and substance use services for all North Carolinians. The year-one progress report on the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS) 2024-2029 strategic plan highlights achievements in the seven priority areas geared toward creating a comprehensive mental health care system that works for everyone.

PRESS RELEASE — Today Governor Stein signed an executive order to improve behavioral health care and public safety in North Carolina. Executive Order 33 directs several cabinet agencies to take action strengthening how the state’s behavioral health and criminal justice systems coordinate and serve the public. The Governor was joined by Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS’ Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services; Secretary of Public Safety Jeff Smythe; Secretary of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes; Director of State Human Resources Staci Meyer; legislators; law enforcement officials; and behavioral health professionals and advocates.

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

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.

PRESS RELEASE — Today Governor Josh Stein visited RHA Health Services’ Alamance County Behavioral Health Center in Burlington to host a roundtable discussion with community leaders highlighting the critical role that crisis and mental health services play in keeping North Carolinians healthy and safe. The Alamance Center is a partnership of county, state, and local management entities (LMEs) that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and other behavioral health needs.

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 perspective on how respiratory illnesses impact Hispanic and Latino communities.

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.

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 physical and mental well-being.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recognizing one year of service for Secretary Dev Sangvai. In 2025, Secretary Sangvai worked to advance key priorities including increasing access to and improving affordability of care, investing in whole-person health by prioritizing mental health and supporting North Carolina’s most vulnerable children.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health Debra Farrington and NCDHHS leaders will host a virtual town hall on Friday, Jan. 16, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., to discuss North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced two additional cases of measles in unvaccinated siblings in Buncombe County. This brings the total number of North Carolina measles cases to seven since late December. Both cases are connected to the ongoing measles outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. To protect the family's privacy, no additional information about these cases will be released. On Tuesday, South Carolina health officials announced 124 new measles cases, bringing the total number related to their outbreak to 434.

STATEMENT — Effective Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Davidson County Department of Social Services (DCDSS), as authorized under state law. This is the sixth time NCDHHS has taken over a county’s department of social services.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. to address the latest increase in flu-related deaths in North Carolina.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend the opening of a new resource for people reentering their community following incarceration. NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Disorders Kelly Crosbie will be on-site to celebrate the opening of AYA House in Rowan County on Friday, Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a new case of measles in Rutherford County. This brings the total number of North Carolina measles cases to five since late December. All individuals who may have been exposed have been notified. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information about the case will be released.

MEDIA ADVISORY — NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Public Health Dr. Kelly Kimple, and Medical Director of the Medical Consultation Unit Dr. Erica Wilson will hold a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 2:30 p.m.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Division of Public Health today announced additional cases of measles in three siblings in Buncombe County. The family had visited Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where there is a large ongoing measles outbreak approximately 1-2 weeks before the children became sick. To protect the family’s privacy, no additional information about these cases will be released.

PRESS RELEASE — Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai responded to reports that the federal government may be freezing child care funding to all 50 states. At this time, North Carolina has not received official notice from the federal government about this action.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Gaston County Public Health have been informed of a measles case in a person who traveled through Gaston County while infectious. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information about this case will be released. 

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a case of measles in an unvaccinated child in Polk County. The child had visited locations in Spartanburg County, South Carolina linked to a large ongoing measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina. The child developed symptoms of measles before Christmas and has since recovered. To protect the family’s privacy, no additional information about this individual will be released.