Press Releases

Free Radon Test Kits Available During January

In conjunction with National Radon Action Month, the North Carolina Radon Program is distributing 3,000 radon test kits at no charge this month.

DHHS Announces $2.1 Million to 23 Health Departments to Address the Opioid Crisis

Twenty-three local health departments in North Carolina will receive a share of a $2.1 million award annually for up to three years to implement high-impact, community-level strategies to address the opioid crisis.

State Health Officials Report First Pediatric Flu Death of 2019–20 Season

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2019–2020 flu season. A child in the western part of the state died in December from complications associated with influenza infection.

Statement from NCDHHS on Preliminary OCME Findings after Recent Infant Deaths in Durham

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) typically does not release individual autopsy reports and information prior to the completion of the case. However, given the public health concerns surrounding the Durham Housing Authority’s McDougald Terrace location, DHHS is sharing information about the carbon monoxide laboratory results today related to three infant deaths in Durham County.

North Carolina Awarded $56 Million to Promote Children’s Well-being and Early Learning

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina will receive $56 million in federal funding over the next seven years to support children’s health and well-being, improve access to high-quality early learning for families across the state and invest in the state’s early childhood workforce.

Open Enrollment Extension Until 3 a.m. on December 18

On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the HealthCare.gov 2020 enrollment period reopened and North Carolinians now have until 3 a.m. on Dec. 18 to sign up for health insurance coverage.

Last Week for Open Enrollment for Federal Health Care Marketplace

Governor Roy Cooper today reminded North Carolinians who need health insurance or need to re-enroll or change plans for 2020 coverage to sign up before the December 15 deadline. Many people who get their insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace get help paying for their premiums and may also be able to get help with copayments and deductibles.

Applications for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Accepted Starting Monday

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin accepting applications through county social services departments for the state's Low-Income Energy Assistance Program on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.

Governor Cooper Announces $6.5 Million in Grants for Partnerships to Combat Opioid Epidemic

A new federal grant will help North Carolina partner with local justice systems — including local law enforcement, courts and others — to prevent opioid overdoses and connect people to treatment. Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services was awarded $6.5 million over the next three years by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Legislators Adjourn Without Taking Actions Required for Medicaid Managed Care; DHHS Suspends Implementation of Managed Care

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced that because the NC General Assembly did not take needed action, managed care implementation and open enrollment for NC Medicaid must be suspended. The General Assembly adjourned last week without providing required new spending and program authority for the transition to managed care. Managed care will not go live on Feb. 1, 2020.