Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — The Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center in Black Mountain, N.C. recently unveiled a new patient care unit and announced an innovative partnership to redefine recovery journeys. JFK is one of two alcohol and drug abuse treatment facilities in North Carolina operated by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. It currently provides inpatient and outpatient services, including medical detox, psychiatric stabilization, substance use disorder and mental health treatment using best practice standards — including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care and "Seeking Safety."

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds people to take precautions against mosquito bites following recent reports of West Nile virus infection in the state. Late summer and early autumn are the most common time to become infected with mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina like WNV.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to be selected among several entities for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration investment in increasing access to maternal care, addressing maternal mental health and growing the maternal health workforce in North Carolina. The department is committed to addressing the maternal mortality crisis and ongoing disparities among infant and maternal mortality rates, particularly in underserved areas. Black babies in North Carolina are 2.5 times more likely to die than white babies, and Black women experience almost twice the rate of maternal mortality than white women.

MEDIA ADVISORY - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will get the annual flu vaccine, as well as the fall COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, which Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed at "Get Your Flu Shot Day." Secretary Kinsley will get both vaccines at 2:30 p.m. at a CVS Pharmacy in Raleigh.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the Inclusion Works initiative to promote competitive integrated employment for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, because everyone in North Carolina has a right to work in an integrated setting for fair pay if that is their choice. Inclusion Works offers resources for people with disabilities seeking employment, those who are currently employed and employers who hire and retain staff with an intellectual or developmental disability.

MEDIA ADVISORY - Carole Johnson, Administrator for the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be joined by Kody Kinsley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, grantees and families at Wake County Public Health Center on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, to announce new federal funding to combat maternal mortality and improve maternal health, particularly in underserved communities.

PRESS RELEASE - The Child and Adult Care Food Program helps eligible children and adults access healthy, nutritious food by reimbursing qualified child care programs, adult day programs and other non-residential care programs for meals and snacks served to enrollees. CACFP is administered federally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and at the state level by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host its Annual Assistive Technology Expo “A Day in the Life with AT” on Oct. 5, at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State University in Raleigh.

PRESS RELEASE - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are recognizing SepticSmart Week Sept. 18-22, 2023. This annual event focuses on educating homeowners and communities on the proper care and maintenance of their septic systems. Proper care and maintenance protects the health and well-being of all North Carolinians by ensuring safe drinking water, preventing waterborne diseases, preserving the environment, maintaining property values and reducing repair costs.

PRESS RELEASE - September marks National Recovery Month, an opportunity to celebrate any changes towards wellness and a healthier, happier life. It specifically highlights people in recovery from substance use and mental health conditions, while also promoting treatment and recovery practices. The theme of Recovery Month is "Every Person. Every Family. Every Community." — an important reminder that recovery is all around us.