Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — As the federal government shutdown continues, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture to issue partial benefits for November to the nearly 1.4 million people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. NCDHHS is updating its payment system according to USDA’s specifications to prepare to issue benefits. If federal funding is provided this week as expected, NCDHHS expects all partial benefits to be loaded onto EBT cards by next week, so beneficiaries should check the balances on

PRESS RELEASE — In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the expansion of the Minority Diabetes Prevention Program — an initiative dedicated to reducing the rising rates of diabetes in certain communities. This program provides culturally responsive education, early screening, and personalized resources to empower individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes to take control of their health.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and First Lady Anna Stein today unveiled a pilot program focused on helping people who have severe mental health needs and are involved in the justice system successfully reenter their communities while reducing their likelihood of reoffending. The $9.5 million investment will create Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams based in Pitt, New Hanover, Wake, Durham, Buncombe, and Mecklenburg counties.

PRESS RELEASE — First Lady of North Carolina Anna Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrated the opening of the Jubilee Home for women in Durham on Thursday. Serving as reentry support for women who are released from prison or jail, the center will provide mental health, housing, employment, and other services to assist in improving outcomes.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend as First Lady Anna Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announce a new program to help people with severe mental illness released from detention on Monday, Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m.

PRESS RELEASE — To encourage and support more registered nurses to serve in rural areas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing the opportunity for tax-free educational loan repayments. This new North Carolina Nurse Initiative is available to qualifying nurses committed to delivering high-quality care in safety net organizations and private practices in underserved areas across the state.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the November benefits for the 1.4 million North Carolinians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be delayed if the federal government shutdown continues.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new community-based housing support for women in Durham, North Carolina, on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. Jubilee Home, is a recipient of NCDHHS funding to support people involved in the justice system in North Carolina. Much like the Jubilee men’s home, in active operation since 2020, the women’s home provides a safe space for justice-involved women to live in community with one another and receive wraparound supports: including mental health care, substance use treatment, employment resources and

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is celebrating one year of All Ages, All Stages NC, the state’s Multisector Plan for Aging. This plan addresses the needs of the state’s rapidly growing aging population in transforming the infrastructure and coordination of services to better serve these populations, ensuring that all North Carolinians can live and age well in their communities. To celebrate this milestone, NCDHHS’ Division of Aging is announcing a “Future Self Contest,” inviting students from Pre-K through 12th grade to imagine their future selves

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Trillium Health Resources and Integrated Family Services PLLC celebrated the state’s continued investment in building a comprehensive mental health system today with a ribbon-cutting at a new Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) in Pitt County. The facility will open its doors to clients on Monday, Oct. 27. NCDHHS is committed to ensuring there is someone to contact, someone to respond and a safe place to go if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.