Topics Related to Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services

READOUT — North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley traveled to Henderson and Buncombe counties Thursday to survey damage and meet with people impacted by Hurricane Helene. Secretary Kinsley was joined by Senators Jim Burgin and Julie Mayfield and began the day meeting with people who have relocated to one of the state-operated shelters in Fletcher, N.C. The group then traveled to the Henderson County Department of Public Health and spoke to Health Director Dave Jenkins and Social Services Director Lorie Horne. The visit to Henderson County concluded with a stop by the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Center in the Blue Ridge Commons Shopping Center. Beginning tomorrow, people impacted by Hurricane Helene who are not currently an FNS participant will be able to apply for assistance to buy food for their families.

PRESS RELEASE — Whether directly or indirectly, millions of people in North Carolina have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Natural disasters are traumatic for individuals, families and communities, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. After a hurricane, it’s even more important to get mental health support if you believe you or a loved one may need help, and to stay in contact with family and friends as soon as your access to communications is restored.

READOUT — NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley toured Mitchell and Yancey counties with Governor Roy Cooper on Tuesday, surveying storm damage, meeting with community members and thanking first responders at the Burnsville and Spruce Pine fire departments. The trip concluded with a visit to Sibelco Quartz Mine, a top employer of Mitchell County with about 500 employees. While speaking with members of the media, the Secretary shared updates from the department’s work in collaboration with local, state and federal partners to get the needed care and resources to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

MEDIA ADVISORY – North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley is attending the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) 2024 INSPIRE Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. in Asheville, N.C. ARC will announce $11.5 million in funding for 39 projects in nine states, including North Carolina, to support substance use recovery initiatives. Secretary Kinsley, a member of the Substance Use Disorder Advisory Council, will participate in the announcement and a SUD Recovery-to-Work Ecosystem panel discussion moderated by ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services along with FIT Wellness, part of the North Carolina Formerly Incarcerated Transition Program (NC FIT), invites credentialed media on a tour and panel discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the FIT Wellness clinic in Raleigh. This event highlights efforts to expand access to behavioral health services for people involved in the justice system, as an estimated 50% of people in prisons and jails in North Carolina identify as having a mental health need and 75% identify as having a substance use disorder.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services this week announced a funding opportunity for providers to support recruitment and retention for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The investment is part of a series of initiatives to support DSPs, who provide vital services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and play a critical role in the state’s behavioral health workforce. The department is also developing a free online DSP certification program in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System and building a digital platform to support networking and connect DSPs to employment opportunities.

PRESS RELEASE — During Suicide Prevention Week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a new report, Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivers Whole-Person Care When and Where People Need It. The report outlines the state’s expansive and strategic efforts to transform the public behavioral health system to deliver high-quality, equitable, accessible care that meets people where they are in their communities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is holding a public webinar to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, 2024. This comes as Governor Roy Cooper proclaims the week of Sept. 8 as Suicide Prevention Week in North Carolina. Suicide is a significant public health issue that affects people across all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

PRESS RELEASE — Governor Roy Cooper declares Aug. 31 Overdose Awareness Day in North Carolina — a day to remember those lost to overdose, honor their families and renew our commitment to ending the crisis.