Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began accepting applications from the general public for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on Jan. 2, 2025. For the 25 counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding has been appropriated by the NC General Assembly to assist households with heating costs and repairs during the colder winter months.

PRESS RELEASE — In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing 2,000 free radon test kits available beginning Jan. 1, 2025, at radon.ncdhhs.gov. Radon exposure is preventable, and testing is the only way to know if you or your family is at increased risk.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a $20 million investment made possible by the NC General Assembly in Non-Law Enforcement Transportation, a promising practice of providing trauma-informed transportation for people in mental health crisis who need to be transported from emergency rooms to residential treatment. In the past, much of this transportation was provided by law enforcement; but non-law enforcement transportation provides a safe, therapeutic alternative for people already in mental health distress.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a $1.5 million investment to expand behavioral health services in school-based health centers across the state. This funding is a critical step in ensuring children have access to the right care at the right time by providing behavioral health support that meets families where they are — in schools and communities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to offer additional services for defendants with mental illness whom the court has determined Incapable to Proceed to trial. Building on the success of NC RISE in Mecklenburg County, the program in Pitt County is part of the department’s continued work to ensure the right behavioral health care is available at the right time for all North Carolinians. The Mecklenburg County Detention Center will also be expanding its program and services for ITP defendants from 10 to 25 beds. Additionally, the Pitt County Detention Center and Mecklenburg County Detention Center programs will be regional and will accept ITP defendants from other counties.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a $4 million investment to expand and professionalize family peer support services statewide. This initiative is designed to improve outcomes for children and families by ensuring that families navigating complex systems have access to support and guidance from someone who truly understands their journey. The investment will strengthen the behavioral health workforce by offering support for 40 new Certified Family Peer Specialists that combined will help nearly a thousand families each year.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced more than 600,000 people have enrolled in Medicaid Expansion in the first year of implementation, in half the time that was first projected.

MEDIA ADVISORY — As part of an ongoing effort to transform North Carolina’s behavioral health crisis response system, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with Alliance Health and Promise Resource Network to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new Peer Respite Center in Wake County.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Ahead of Radon Action Month in January, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is releasing updated, county-level data on radon levels across the state. NCDHHS staff and partners will host a virtual roundtable to share radon resources on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. News media and interested organizations are invited to participate in the discussion.

PRESS RELEASE — The NC Department of Health and Human Services this week completed the successful hiring of seven regional directors who will provide vital support to North Carolina’s 100 local departments of social services. These regional directors will work closely with county DSS directors and their agencies to enhance leadership, build capacity and strengthen service delivery to improve outcomes for children and families across the state.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, to announce the launch of the new capacity restoration program at the Pitt County Detention Center. NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will be joined by Senator Jim Burgin, Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance and Executive Vice President and General Counsel for the NC Sheriff’s Association Eddie W. Caldwell Jr. during the press conference and brief Q&A with credentialed media after.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a toolkit aimed at assisting other states seeking to tackle the burden of medical debt. The Medical Debt Toolkit is based on an innovative program recently launched by NCDHHS to address the issue of medical debt among North Carolinians. It builds on record enrollment as North Carolina marks one year of Medicaid expansion.

PRESS RELEASE — Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley celebrated the one-year anniversary of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina by announcing that nearly 600,000 North Carolinians, many of whom live in rural counties, have enrolled. The Governor and Secretary spoke at ECU Health in Greenville and were joined by ECU Health CEO Dr. Mike Waldrum, Dr. Karen Coward and several beneficiaries who have been able to get care thanks to Medicaid expansion. This is the first in a series of events highlighting the Governor's major accomplishments and progress made for North Carolina during his time in office.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The Dix Park Conservancy is unveiling a new art installation on Dorothea Dix Park on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. with a reception that credentialed media and members of the public are invited to attend. North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will also be speaking to celebrate the public art called “Get Well Soon,” created by Raleigh-based artist and licensed mental health counselor Lamar Whidbee. The piece is installed at Dix Park’s Spruill Building, part of the now-closed mental health facility established in 1856.

PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolinians prepare to gather with friends and family during the holiday season, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends following food safety guidelines to ensure a healthy and enjoyable time for all. Whether preparing meals for family dinners or food items for larger group events, following essential food safety practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Energy Assistance Program will begin accepting applications from older adults 60 and older or people with disabilities receiving services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging on Dec. 2, 2024.

PRESS RELEASE — To commemorate National Rural Health Day on Nov. 21, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is proud to announce the annual Community Star award winner.

MEDIA ADVISORY — To increase awareness about problem gambling and its effects on individuals, families and communities, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with East Carolina University to conduct vital research into the emerging trends and impact of problem gambling, as well as looking at historically marginalized and understudied populations in North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — The 48th annual holiday parade at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center will be held Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at 3 p.m. This year’s theme is “Holidays on the Big Screen.” The center is expecting marching bands, fire trucks, floats and a special appearance by Santa Claus. This year’s Grand Marshal is Carson Clough, a silver medalist in the 2024 Paralympic Triathlon Games, and special celebrity guest WBTV News Anchor Alex Giles will also participate.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is proud to join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 21. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year and recognizes the “Power of Rural” by honoring the individuals, organizations and community members dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities.