Press Releases

NCDHHS Announces Free COVID-19 Tests Available by Mail Through Rockefeller Foundation Partnership

Some North Carolinians can now have free COVID-19 tests shipped directly to them, thanks to the expansion of a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Rockefeller Foundation through Project ACT.

Back to School Means Time to Get Children Up to Date on Required and Recommended Vaccines

As children across North Carolina head back to school this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds families that vaccinations are an important part of back-to-school success and overall health and well-being.

NCDHHS Again Expands Eligibility for Monkeypox Vaccination, Encourages Steps to Reduce Spread

The North Carolina Department of Health and Humans Services has expanded the list of higher-risk people who are eligible to receive the monkeypox vaccine to help prevent spread in the state.

Summer P-EBT Begins as Program Reaches Milestone of $2 Billion in Help Buying Food for NC Families

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has begun issuing Pandemic-EBT benefits for summer 2022. Between July 20 and 30, the families of approximately 948,000 children in the state will each receive a one-time payment of $391 to purchase healthy meals during summer break.

NCDHHS Secretary, State Health Director Address Local Health Directors, Discuss COVID-19 and Monkeypox

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley and State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., MPH, today spoke with North Carolina’s county and local health directors.

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized and Recommended for Adults 18 and Older

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be used as an additional vaccine option for adults ages 18 years and older.

NCDHHS Announces New National 9-8-8 Number for People in Mental Health Crisis

Starting Saturday, people in mental health crisis can dial 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and get immediately connected to trained crisis counselors 24/7.

NCDHHS Releases Response Plan for 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak

Summarizing months of preparation and response efforts, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is releasing a 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak Response Plan to provide a quick and easily accessible summary of the information and tools North Carolinians need.

NCDHHS Launches Raise NC to Highlight the Value of the State’s Early Care and Learning Network

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today launched Raise North Carolina, a public education campaign about the value of the state’s early care and learning network to support children’s healthy development as well as families’ participation in the workforce.

NCDHHS Announces Limited Vaccines Available in NC at Several Local Health Departments for People Exposed to Monkeypox

The federal government has allocated North Carolina 444 doses of Jynneos, a vaccine that can prevent illness or lead to less severe symptoms if given within two weeks after someone is exposed to monkeypox. Those doses have been allocated to seven local health departments to ensure access across the state. As additional doses become available, more locations will be added.