Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media and members of the public are invited to attend Ignite Your Future: A Project Spark Event, hosted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Project Spark was created by NCDHHS to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) explore, prepare for and keep a job in their community and is paid for by the U.S. Department of Education. Project Spark also helps people with I/DD transition from subminimum wage jobs to competitive, integrated employment alongside their peers.

PRESS RELEASE — Today at Cherry Hospital, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrated the launch of an electronic health record powered by Epic for North Carolina’s 13 state-operated healthcare facilities. These facilities provide critical medical and behavioral treatment of adults and children with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and neuro-medical conditions. This advancement in patient care will allow for improved and more comprehensive care, streamlined processes for staff, enhanced security for protection of patient data, and improved regulatory compliance.

PRESS RELEASE — North Carolina on Tuesday took an innovative step in efforts to reduce opioid use and related deaths with the launch of the state’s first Mobile Opioid Treatment Program. First Lady Anna Stein helped celebrate the occasion at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, and Dr. Eric Morse, founder and president of Morse Clinics.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend a ceremony marking a significant advancement in patient communication and health care from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The launch of electronic health records, powered by Epic, will bring health records from 13 State Operated Healthcare Facilities online allowing for better data management and patient care.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today it will begin preparing to submit its application to receive funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The program is part of H.R. 1, a federal bill signed into law by President Trump in July to address rural health concerns due to federal cuts to the Medicaid program.

STATEMENT — Effective Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Bertie County Department of Social Services (BCDSS), as authorized under state law. This is the fifth time NCDHHS has taken over a county’s department of social services and the first time a county DSS has been taken over twice.

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 — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of a two-year pilot program in which 22 Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) for youth, operated by seven provider agencies, will begin using an innovative system called Ukeru® to de-escalate crises. Ukeru is a safe and comforting alternative to restraint and seclusion, which are high-risk techniques used to contain someone who is considered a danger to themselves or others.

STATEMENT — North Carolina lawmakers passed a stopgap spending plan also known as a "mini budget" which was signed by Governor Josh Stein today. $600 million was included to support both the Medicaid rebase and the Medicaid Oversight Fund, however, this appropriation equates to a shortfall of $319 million for the Medicaid rebase. Despite careful efforts by NCDHHS to avoid disruptions to service, fully funding the rebase is necessary to maintain the current level of care across the state. To remain within budget, NCDHHS now has two options to address a shortfall from an insufficient rebase; reduce optional services and/or reduce provider rates. In response, NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai released the following statement.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Community College System have partnered to launch an Advanced Training Certificate program for current Direct Support Professionals or people interested in pursuing a career in the field. The DSP workforce is critical in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and thrive in communities of their choice. They provide a wide range of supports from daily tasks like bathing, eating and taking medications to connecting people with community resources and employment opportunities.

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.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Talkspace, a virtual therapy platform now available for free to justice-impacted teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 in North Carolina.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 24 at 10 a.m. in Raleigh, North Carolina. Leaders from the North Carolina Department of Health and Humans Services will highlight programs, services and investments that are improving the lives of North Carolinians with disabilities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and First Lady Anna Stein, in collaboration with Shatterproof, announced the launch of the Unshame North Carolina (Unshame NC) campaign to end stigma related to substance use disorder. Unshame NC has two primary goals: to increase knowledge and awareness of substance use disorder and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) as a treatment option.

PRESS RELEASE — In response to a sharp increase in suicide rates among young Black youth, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announces the NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Coinciding with the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this effort sheds light on communities which have been marginalized, where mental health challenges persist, and outlines initiatives to be implemented over the next five years to reduce injury and save the lives of Black youth and young adults.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services this week celebrates three years of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides help and support for anyone suffering from depression, anxiety or interpersonal/family issues or who just needs someone to talk to during a time of personal crisis. North Carolina is a national leader in 988 implementation with a focus on answering every call and ensuring every person gets the care they need. A recent survey shows many people reported feeling hopeful, grateful and motivated after calling 988 with more than 90% finding the service valuable in their community. Additionally, 33% of people in the survey say 988 saved their life or the life of someone they care about.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend a meeting of the Wake County Drug Overdose Coalition to hear from Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services, First Lady of North Carolina Anna Stein, and NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Director Kelly Crosbie. The meeting will focus on addressing stigma related to substance use.

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.