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

Join us each month to learn about policies and programs that affect the MH/IDD/SU/TBI community. The goal of this webinar is to bring everyone together in one (virtual) place. This group includes consumers, families, advisory groups, LME/MCOs, community members and partner organizations. Side by side, we will work together to better understand and improve our system. We will listen closely to one another and we will share ideas for public policy that will improve lives in NC. This month’s topic was Substance Use Services and Programming.

In this webinar, DMHDDSUS shares resources available through the Connections App, a free digital tool that provides peer support and care management tools for individuals during treatment and recovery. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with CHESS Health and Trillium Health Resources to provide critically needed support for North Carolinians working toward recovery from substance use disorders.

The Innovations Waitlist Dashboard provides valuable insights into needs of individuals on the waitlist, working to ensure they receive the services and support necessary to thrive in their communities. The Innovations Waitlist Dashboard combines data from LME/MCOs to provide monthly insights on individuals on the waitlist.

Hurricane Helen Impact UpdatesLandscape AssessmentEnvironment of Care InvestmentsPresentation (PPT, 799 KB)

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Thursday, March 13, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how people can support their mental well-being, find resources for youth and adults in North Carolina and get help for themselves or someone else experiencing a mental health crisis.

PRESS RELEASE — As part of its Direct Support Professional Workforce Plan, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is announcing $3 million to recruit and retain direct support professionals. This workforce is critical in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and thrive in communities of their choice. They provide a wide range of supports from daily tasks like bathing, eating and taking medications to connecting people with community resources and opportunities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced more than $11 million in funding to community-based diversion programs and reentry services that strengthen support for people involved in the justice system. Providing alternatives to incarceration when appropriate and supporting people upon their release with things like housing and employment are critical to stop the cycle of justice system involvement, which improves health outcomes for people and efficiency across our health and justice systems.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss how people can support their mental well-being, find resources and get help for themselves or someone else experiencing a mental health crisis.

READOUT — North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai traveled to western North Carolina today to participate in a Day of Service in coordination with Governor Josh Stein and other cabinet leaders. Recovery efforts continue to assist the more than four and a half million people who live in the 39 counties included in the federal disaster declaration following Hurricane Helene.

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