http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/news.htm NC DHHS serves North Carolinians. We administer Medicaid, child support enforcement, social services, services for the disabled. We promote public health, and regulate child care and health care facilities. en-us http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-11-20-h1n1strain.htm The North Carolina Division of Public Health (DPH) is working with the CDC and Duke University Medical Center to investigate a cluster of four patients infected with oseltamivir-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Antiviral resistance was confirmed by the laboratory at CDC Monday night. The four patients were diagnosed with flu during October and November. All were hospitalized on the same unit at Duke University Medical Center Three of those patients have died, although it is not clear whether their deaths were related to flu infections. Duke physicians discovered the resistant strain after some of the patients continued to test positive for flu despite antiviral treatment. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:42:02 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-11-19-nursinghomegrants.htm Eighteen North Carolina nursing homes are receiving grant funds starting this fall to improve facilities to the benefit of their residents. Improvements range from outdoor gardens that are wheelchair accessible to bistros and ice cream parlors. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:38:10 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-11-18-lakegaston.htm The North Carolina State Health Director has issued a fish consumption advisory for walleye and largemouth bass in Lake Gaston, which is located between north-central North Carolina and south-central Virginia. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:36:18 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-11-4-holidayhealth.htm As the holiday season quickly approaches, many begin to worry about fitting into their favorite jeans once January rolls around. Many North Carolinians gain between 1 to 5 pounds each holiday season. Although those are small gains, most people who gain weight during the holidays never manage to return to their pre-holiday weight. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:34:52 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-10-21-facilityflu.htm State-operated hospitals, residential schools, developmental disability centers, neuro-medical treatment centers and alcohol and drug treatment centers have already implemented plans to limit the potential spread of H1N1 flu at their facilities as North Carolina prepares for the fall flu season. Wed, 22 Oct 2009 17:10:41 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-10-7-flureporting.htm North Carolina is changing the way it reports flu deaths and hospitalizations, in response to a new nationwide directive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wed, 7 Oct 2009 18:39:44 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-10-7-emschamps.htm Two paramedics from Surry County unseated the three-time defending champion team from Stokes County to become the state’s top paramedic team following competition here earlier this week. Wed, 7 Oct 2009 18:39:44 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-10-7-fruitsveggies.htm North Carolinians are not eating their fruits and vegetables, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But efforts are already under way in North Carolina to change that picture. Wed, 7 Oct 2009 18:39:44 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-10-1-flu.htm The official flu season begins today. North Carolina began placing its first orders for 2009 H1N1 vaccine Wednesday, Sept. 30. The vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The first batches are expected to be shipped to providers across the state in limited quantities during the month of October. Thu, 1 Oct 2009 17:37:22 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-10-1-workfirst.htm Today brings a shift in philosophy for North Carolina's Work First program. Effective October 1 this shift, called Work First Benefits/Pay for Performance, is being implemented statewide by the state Division of Social Services (DSS), which administers Work First benefits in North Carolina. Thu, 1 Oct 2009 187:37:22 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-9-29-medicaidrates.htm North Carolina Medicaid expects to save nearly $200 million over the next two years through rate reductions on various services. The new rates, which take effect October 1, are the result of state budget cuts enacted by the General Assembly for the 2010 and 2011 state fiscal years. Thu, 1 Oct 2009 187:37:22 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-9-29-wic.htm Healthier food choices are being added to the to the National WIC program beginning Oct. 1. The WIC program is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The new WIC foods include fruits, vegetables and whole grains, foods that are higher in fiber and lower in fat. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:50:34 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-9-25-childfludeath.htm North Carolina has reported the first child death from flu since the 2009 H1N1 strain was first reported in the U.S. last spring. The child died Saturday, Sept. 19, of complications from an influenza infection. (To protect the family’s privacy, the child’s hometown, county, age and sex are not being released.) Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:45:44 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-9-9-fallsprevention.htm What do Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, the Pope, Sonia Sotomayor and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith have in common? They have all sustained broken bones or other injuries from a fall this summer. And they are not alone. In North Carolina, falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries and the second- leading cause of nonfatal injuries for people 65 and older. That’s why Gov. Bev Perdue has declared the first week of fall, Sept. 20-26, to be Falls Prevention Awareness Week. Wed, 9 Sep 2009 19:26:47 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-9-4-watson.htm Stabilizing and expanding mental health services will be the focus of the new Assistant Secretary of Mental Health Services Development for the Department of Health and Human Services. Wed, 4 Sep 2009 20:45:44 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-9-1-lacrosse.htm State public health officials today announced the season’s first death from the mosquito-borne illness La Crosse viral encephalitis (LAC). The child, who was from Swain County, was hospitalized in July and died a week later. Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:45:56 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-8-25-personcenter.htm People residing in four assisted living facilities in North Carolina will benefit from a new method of service delivery that focuses on ‘person-centered’ practices. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:27:39 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-8-21-antiviral.htm State public health officials are asking health care providers across the state to adhere to guidance pertaining to the use of antivirals for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Caregivers are being reminded that the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) as a preventative measure should be limited to people at higher risk for influenza complications and the health care workers who care for them. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:16:28 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-8-21-gardens.htm Just in time for National Community Gardening Week (August 23-29), North Carolinians have access to a new community gardening primer from the N.C. Community Garden Partners and Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina. Community Gardening Week was recently proclaimed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and leads into National Fruits and Veggies — More Matters month in September. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:13:03 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-8-17-vitalrecordfees.htm Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the fee for a single copy of a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate or a report of fetal death from North Carolina Vital Records will increase from $15 to $24. The fee for additional copies will remain at $15 each. The change is due to a new law, the Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2009 (G.S. 10.22 130A-93.1), passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor on Aug. 7. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:50:06 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-7-30-breastfeeding.htm State public health leaders are encouraging North Carolinians to join in support of World Breastfeeding Week 2009, Aug. 1-7. This year’s worldwide theme is “Breastfeeding - A Vital Emergency Response.” Fri, 31 July 2009 14:59:43 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-7-24-medfundrepay.htm Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Lanier Cansler met Wednesday with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to notify the federal agency of accounting and billing errors that have resulted in the department overdrawing approximately $300 million in federal Medicaid funds. At the meeting, the Secretary and CMS agreed upon a repayment plan that will enable DHHS to repay the funds. Fri, 24 July 2009 20:45:11 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-7-23-rockymtn.htm The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a Buncombe County man’s death in mid-May was the result of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). While deaths from this tick-borne disease are rare, an average of about 675 cases of RMSF have been reported annually in North Carolina over the last three years. Fri, 24 July 2009 3:41:16 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-7-22-cherrycertified.htm Inspectors with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have informed Cherry Hospital officials that they plan to recommend the facility to be certified to receive Medicaid and Medicare funds. Wed, 22 July 2009 20:26:22 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-7-17-lacrosse.htm State public health officials today announced the season’s first case of the mosquito-borne illness La Crosse viral encephalitis (LAC). The patient, who is from Henderson County, is now recovering at home. Fri, 17 July 2009 19:49:28 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-30-esmm.htm In January, thousands of North Carolinians made resolutions to eat better, get more physical activity and achieve a healthy weight. However, most of those resolutions were abandoned before March. Midway through the year is a great time to get back on course toward achieving those goals. Tue, 30 June 2009 15:26:34 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-24-h1n1death.htm The North Carolina Division of Public Health announced the state’s first death linked to infection with the novel H1N1 virus. The patient was an adult resident of Guilford County with underlying medical conditions. Following his death Friday following a brief hospitalization, testing at the State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed infection with the pandemic H1N1 virus. Thu, 24 June 2009 16:32:34 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-24-summerfood.htm Children at the Healthy Habits Camp in Raleigh had breakfast with grownup guests this morning. The children were joined by Dr. Janey Thornton, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Lanier M. Cansler, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Cansler and Thornton ate with the children to celebrate the Summer Food Service Program, or SFSP. Thu, 24 June 2009 15:31:22 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-23-hivtest.htm In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, which is Saturday, June 27, many organizations across the state will be conducting HIV testing events. These tests are free, and some organizations are offering free items just for getting tested. Thu, 23 June 2009 19:41:02 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-12-h1n1.htm Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level associated with the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus to Phase 6. A Phase 6 designation simply means that the virus has spread worldwide. It does not mean that the virus is growing stronger or is having a more severe affect on individuals’ health than when it started. Thu, 12 June 2009 18:17:39 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-11-summerfood.htm During the summer, when schools are out, children who usually get free or reduced-price school meals may not be getting the nutrition they need. To help make sure they are not going hungry, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals for those kids in communities across North Carolina. Thu, 11 June 2009 20:21:38 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-11-elderabuse.htm The image is not pretty – the examples may make one feel uncomfortable, and some victims may not realize they need help. Elder abuse can take many forms and can sometimes be difficult to recognize. These are some of the reasons that June 15 has been designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Thu, 11 June 2009 20:20:58 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-4-h1n1updateb.htm Five new cases of H1N1 flu have been confirmed in North Carolina today, Thursday, June 4, 2009. As of 3:30 p.m. today, North Carolina has 35 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. Today’s new cases are in Guilford (1), Orange (1), New Hanover (1), and Wake (2) counties. Thu, 4 June 2009 20:53:36 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-4-h1n1update.htm Another case of H1N1 flu was confirmed in North Carolina late yesterday evening, Wednesday, June 3, 2009. The case is in Wayne County. That brings Wednesday’s total of new cases to 7. As of 9:30 a.m. today, June 4, North Carolina has 30 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. Thu, 4 June 2009 15:01:28 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-3-h1n1update.htm As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009, North Carolina has confirmed 5 new cases today. As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009, North Carolina has confirmed 5 new cases today. Another case of H1N1 flu was confirmed in North Carolina at 4:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, June 3, 2009. That brings today’s total of new cases to 6; North Carolina now has a total of 29 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. Wed, 3 June 2009 21:53:36 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-6-1-h1n1update.htm As of 3 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2009, North Carolina has 23 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. The most recent cases were confirmed in Wake County (1-case); Mecklenburg County (1-case). Mon, 1 June 2009 20:25:45 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-29-h1n1update.htm As of 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2009, North Carolina has 21 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. The most recent cases were confirmed in Buncombe, Onslow and Orange counties today.  Thu, 29 May 2009 16:04:03 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-28-h1n1update.htm As of 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009, North Carolina has 18 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. The most recent cases were confirmed in New Hanover County and Brunswick County today.  Thu, 28 May 2009 18:44:30 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-26-h1n1update.htm As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, North Carolina has 14 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. The most recent cases were confirmed in Orange County and Durham County during the Memorial Day weekend . Thu, 26 May 2009 16:18:43 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-7-h1n1update.htm As of 3pm Thursday, North Carolina has 7 confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 virus. Currently there are 4 cases are in Craven County, 2 cases are in Onslow County, and 1 case is in Carteret County. There are no probable cases under investigation at this time. The probable cases from Wake County and Buncombe County tested negative for the H1N1 virus. Thu, 7 May 2009 20:55:44 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-6-h1n1update.htm As of 3pm, Wednesday May 6, 2009, North Carolina is reporting seven confirmed cases and one probable case of H1N1 Influenza virus in our state. Confirmed cases: 2 – Onslow County, 4 – Craven County, 1– Carteret County. One new probable case is reported in Buncombe County. The Wake County case has been removed from the list as inconclusive. Wed, 6 May 2009 20:29:18 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-5-h1n1update.htm As of 4 p.m., Tuesday May 5, 2009, North Carolina is reporting seven confirmed cases and one probable case in our state ( 2 – Onslow County, 4 – Craven County, 1– Carteret County). The Wake County case remains probable. Only one North Carolina school has been closed in connection with the H1N1 flu virus. Arthur Edwards Elementary School in Havelock, which is in Craven County, was closed on Monday after a student was found to have a probable case of H1N1 virus. Tues, 5 May 2009 20:49:19 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-4-fluupdate.htm North Carolina has one confirmed case of the novel H1N1 virus, in Onslow County. The person has been in isolation since being notified earlier this week. The person’s spouse is considered a probable case; a sample has to CDC for confirmation. This person has also been in isolation since being notified. Both of these individuals were likely exposed during travel to Texas. Mon, 4 May 2009 21:12:43 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-3-swineflufirstcase.htm State Health Director Jeffrey Engel today reported that further testing has confirmed one case of the H1N1 flu in North Carolina. Gov. Bev Perdue joined Dr. Engel in assuring North Carolinians that state and local health officials have taken appropriate steps to safeguard the health of North Carolinians. Sun, 3 May 2009 20:22:03 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-5-1-flubriefing.htm North Carolina has no confirmed cases of H1N1 flu at this time. There are two probable cases; specimens have been sent to CDC for testing but the results are not yet back. As of 3:00 p.m. today, the State Laboratory of Public Health in North Carolina had received a total of 334 specimens since Sunday. 202 specimens have tested negative; two others are considered probable cases and are undergoing further testing; 130 specimens are still awaiting testing. Fri, 1 May 2009 22:30:05 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-30-swineflucases.htm State Health Director Jeffrey Engel today reported that two probable cases of the H1N1 flu have been identified in North Carolina. Gov. Bev Perdue was notified this morning and joined Dr. Engel in assuring that the state is working with the county health officials where the patients are located to provide any assistance they need in responding. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:05:18 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-30-afterschoolworkout.htm The Move More After-School Collaborative today released a set of recommended standards for physical activity in North Carolina’s after-school programs. After-school providers now have a guide they can use to help young people meet the 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:03:53 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-29-swineflubriefingpm.htm North Carolina has no confirmed cases of swine flu at this time. Public health officials and members of the Incident Command Team continue to reach out and partner with the Latino community and minority organizations in North Carolina to provide them with preparedness and treatment guidelines for swine flu. Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:56:15 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-29-swineflubriefing.htm North Carolina has no confirmed cases at this time. The State Laboratory of Public Health has received more than 50 new specimens today. Those specimens include samples from people who have symptoms and who may have been exposed through travel or through contact with a confirmed case, as well as samples from people who have flu-like illness but have had no known exposure to swine flu. Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:19:55 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-25-swineflu.htm Public health leaders in North Carolina, along with those in other states across the country, are watching Swine Influenza infection cases in several states and are getting ready in case the disease spreads further. No cases of Swine Flu have been confirmed in North Carolina as yet, but state public health officials are asking North Carolina residents to follow the same health precautions they take during any flu season. They are also working with health care providers, day cares and schools, laboratories, institutions and others to ensure they have the latest information on prevention, disease control, diagnosis and treatment. Wed, 27 Apr 2009 21:05:48 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-25-swineflu.htm Public Health leaders in North Carolina along with other States across the country are monitoring the Swine Influenza infection cases in Texas and California. While no cases of Swine Flu have been reported in North Carolina or anywhere in the eastern half of the country, state public health officials are asking North Carolina residents to remain aware of events as they develop and to follow the same precautions they take during any flu season. Wed, 25 Apr 2009 17:16:06 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-22-liheap.htm The public is invited to comment on how federal funds in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Block Grant will be spent next year. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:25:33 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-14-newbornscreening.htm As part of Secretary Lanier Cansler’s Zero Tolerance policy, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is working with the N.C. Department of Correction to investigate allegations of improper conduct involving Dorothea Dix Hospital employees’ supervision of inmates from the Raleigh Correctional Center for Women who were working under the Inmate Service program on the Dix campus. Thu, 17 Apr 2009 15:26:33 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-14-newbornscreening.htm Starting this week, babies born in North Carolina are being screened for cystic fibrosis (CF) when their tiny blood samples are sent to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health to test for possible metabolic and genetic disorders. Thu, 14 Apr 2009 17:58:17 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-9-centralplan.htm N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Lanier Cansler today unveiled a new plan for patient care at Central Regional Hospital. The plan would fully utilize the new Butner facility as well as continue limited patient care on the Dorothea Dix campus in Raleigh. Thu, 8 Apr 2009 21:50:00 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-3-aberdeenwater.htm The N.C. Department of Public Health is conducting a public health assessment for a contaminated groundwater site in Aberdeen. The final draft report is available for public review and comment through May 18. Thu, 3 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-2-cherrycook.htm DHHS Secretary Lanier Cansler today announced the appointment of Philip Cook as director of Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro. Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:00:00 GMT http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2009/2009-4-1-salt.htm A diet high in sodium increases the risk of having higher blood pressure, a major cause for heart disease and stroke. Each year, more than 21,000 people in North Carolina die from heart disease and stroke. Wed, 1 Apr 2009 12:00:00 GMT