Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness Day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the “I Gave Birth” campaign to support better birth outcomes for mothers in North Carolina in the weeks after childbirth. “I Gave Birth” collaborates with 48 participating hospitals and providers to improve postpartum care during the “fourth trimester,” which is the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Each new mother receives a bracelet to serve as a visual reminder for the mother, her family and medical providers for vigilant monitoring of the mother’s

PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolinians prepare for severe winter weather conditions this weekend, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services cautions people not to use gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter weather.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recognizing one year of service for Secretary Dev Sangvai. In 2025, Secretary Sangvai worked to advance key priorities including increasing access to and improving affordability of care, investing in whole-person health by prioritizing mental health and supporting North Carolina’s most vulnerable children.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced two additional cases of measles in unvaccinated siblings in Buncombe County. This brings the total number of North Carolina measles cases to seven since late December. Both cases are connected to the ongoing measles outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. To protect the family's privacy, no additional information about these cases will be released. On Tuesday, South Carolina health officials announced 124 new measles cases, bringing the total number related to their outbreak to 434.

STATEMENT — Effective Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Davidson County Department of Social Services (DCDSS), as authorized under state law. This is the sixth time NCDHHS has taken over a county’s department of social services.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health Debra Farrington and NCDHHS leaders will host a virtual town hall on Friday, Jan. 16, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., to discuss North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. to address the latest increase in flu-related deaths in North Carolina.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend the opening of a new resource for people reentering their community following incarceration. NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Disorders Kelly Crosbie will be on-site to celebrate the opening of AYA House in Rowan County on Friday, Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a new case of measles in Rutherford County. This brings the total number of North Carolina measles cases to five since late December. All individuals who may have been exposed have been notified. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information about the case will be released.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Division of Public Health today announced additional cases of measles in three siblings in Buncombe County. The family had visited Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where there is a large ongoing measles outbreak approximately 1-2 weeks before the children became sick. To protect the family’s privacy, no additional information about these cases will be released.