Press Releases

NCDHHS Encourages Screening and Testing During National HIV Testing Day

At the end of 2021, an estimated 4,000 people were living with HIV in North Carolina and unaware of their HIV+ status. Getting tested routinely and knowing their status means people can get treatment quicker.
 

NC Officials Identify First Case of Monkeypox in State

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first case of monkeypox virus infection in a North Carolina resident, identified by testing at the State Laboratory of Public Health. Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious, viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over. Illness could be confused with a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus (chickenpox). Most infections last two to four weeks. 

North Carolina to Help 975,000 Kids Access Food During Summer 2022

Eligible North Carolina children will receive additional benefits over the summer to ensure they have access to nutritious food. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer food assistance program through Summer 2022.

NCDHHS to Host Livestream Cafecito and Tele-Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5 on June 23

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live Cafecito and Spanish-language tele-town hall on Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. to discuss COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 years of age.

Vaccines for Children Ages 6 Months to Under 5 Years Will Be Available June 20

Children ages 6 months and older can now receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all children who are eligible receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is available in North Carolina following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) emergency use authorization and the CDC’s recommendation.

NCDHHS Preparing for Rollout of Vaccines to Children Under 5

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is preparing for COVID-19 vaccine distribution for children under 5 years old and to ensure families across the state have the information they need to access vaccines for their young children. Children are vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus just like everyone else.

NCDHHS Advises Caution to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses and Death as Temperatures Rise for the Summer

Temperatures are climbing this week as summer arrives, and the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for most of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Public health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are advising North Carolinians take precautions to protect themselves and their children from heat-related illness as temperatures across the state rise and remain high throughout the summer.

NCDHHS Announces Funds to Expand Treatment to Help Those with Opioid Use Disorder, 20 Sites Awarded Grants to Expand Services

People struggling with Opioid Use Disorder will have better access to more treatment options because of funding awarded by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Nearly $16,000,000 across 20 health care centers, treatment clinics and community-based providers will be used across the state to expand evidence-based treatment services, as well as employment, housing and transportation supports through innovative pilot programs to better help treat individuals and support them in their recovery.

NCDHHS Invests in Growing and Training NC’s Substance Use Workforce to Better Treat Those Struggling with Substance Use Disorders

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released two funding opportunities to award a total of $6,000,000 for tuition scholarships to improve behavioral health outcomes and substance use disorder treatment across the state. 

NCDHHS Announces Additional Funding Available for Collegiate Recovery Programs

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a new funding opportunity to create collegiate recovery programs that increase access to healthy and supportive environments in colleges and universities for those who are in addiction recovery.

NCDHHS Announces Two Funding Opportunities to Address Behavioral Health in the Criminal Justice System

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released two funding opportunities to award a total of $6,755,000 to community-based mental health providers. These programs will help individuals with serious mental illness involved with the criminal justice system, and they reflect the department’s vision to advance innovate solutions that foster independence, improve health and promote well-being for all North Carolinians.

More Formula Options Available to WIC Families During Formula Shortage

Families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can now use their benefits for a much wider variety of infant formula brands and types, helping them access the formula available in stores during the nationwide shortage when Gerber products are not available. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has made 55 additional formula products temporarily available for WIC recipients today as part of its efforts to support families during the shortage. This is in addition to eight options added last week for different sizes and types of Gerber products.

NCDHHS Division of Public Health Launches Inaugural HBCU and MSI Internship Program

A group of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) stepped into offices across the Division of Public Health within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today, perhaps marking the first day of a career in public health.

NCDHHS Helps Families Participating in WIC During Infant Formula Shortage

Families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can now purchase more sizes and types of Gerber formula thanks to efforts by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to support families during the ongoing infant formula shortage.

NCDHHS to Host Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall Featuring Firsthand Accounts of COVID-19 on June 1

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Wednesday, June 1, from 6-7 p.m. to discuss COVID-19 recovery, ways to prevent and overcome long-term complications, and available treatments, and to hear firsthand accounts from North Carolinians who experienced varying severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

NCDHHS Increases Access to Health Care Services; Five Community Behavioral Health Clinics Awarded Funds to Expand Community Services

More people in North Carolina will have better access to both the behavioral health and physical health care services they need through several behavioral health clinics across the state, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced.
 

Take Simple Steps to Practice Water Safety and Protect Against Drowning and Stay Healthy Health Officials Say

As North Carolinians start their summer voyages to beaches, lakes, rivers and pools this holiday weekend, officials at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offer suggestions to maximize the health benefits of swimming and other water-based activities while minimizing the risk of illness, injury and death.

Jif Peanut Butter Recalled Nationwide; NCDHHS Urges Consumers to Check Labels

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is advising people to not eat or serve certain Jif brand peanut butter products that are being recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.

COVID-19 Booster Now Available for Children Ages 5-11

Children ages 5 to 11 years old can receive a COVID-19 booster five months after the date of their most recent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose.

NCDHHS Shares Recommendations for Families During Infant Formula Shortage

Amidst the nationwide infant formula shortage, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is connecting families with resources and sharing recommendations to help navigate supply issues safely. NCDHHS is also broadening access to formula for families who use the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).