Press Releases

Following press reports of numerous infant deaths associated with Baby+Co’s birthing center in Cary, North Carolina, Baby+Co agreed to a voluntary review of their clinical standards and operations by the NC Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) at the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Today, DHSR released its report on that review, which identified significant concerns regarding medical oversight and supervision of nurse midwives, the criteria used to admit and discharge patients, after-hours staffing, laboratory operations, documentation, and staff orientation and training.

North Carolina health officials are investigating the cause of severe bleeding in a patient following possible use of synthetic cannabinoids. The severe bleeding was caused by a condition that reduces the blood’s ability to clot.

North Carolina teen tobacco use continues to climb, with youth use rising by 1.2 percent to 28.8 percent based on results of the 2017 N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey, released today by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services released its first-ever Medicaid Scorecard intended to advance a longer-term goal to improve understanding of Medicaid performance nationally. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services supports this effort and looks forward to working with CMS to improve the accuracy and comparability of the measures.

A data dashboard developed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows the state is beginning to see success in its efforts to combat the opioid crisis. The oversupply of prescription opioids is being reduced and access to treatment and recovery services has increased.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Services is partnering with the N.C. Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to distribute fans through Operation Fan Heat Relief until Oct. 31.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people to speak with their physician or local health department about hepatitis A and B vaccine, viral hepatitis screenings and treatment options.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today approved a one-day extension for eligible Guilford County residents to apply for Disaster Food and Nutrition Services benefits. The one-day extension, which came at the request of county officials, means that Guilford County residents can apply for benefits on Tuesday at the Guilford County Department of Social Services.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a policy paper with information for health care providers regarding the transition to Medicaid managed care, expected to launch in 2019.

Across North Carolina, 5,717 individuals--nearly four times the first-year goal--have benefited since May 2017 from a federal grant aimed at helping battle an opioid crisis that is killing nearly four people a day in this state, Governor Roy Cooper reported today.