Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE — More than $554,000 in food benefit dollars have been stolen from North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services participants since Aug. 18. No further fraudulent activity has been reported since Sept. 6, 2024, when NCDHHS implemented a block on online transactions originating from Connecticut, Florida, and New York that appeared to be tied to fraudulent activity.

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 today announced a confirmed case of measles (rubeola) in a child in Mecklenburg County. This is the first measles case reported in North Carolina since 2018. The child was likely exposed to measles while traveling out of the country. Fortunately, the parents kept the child at home after returning to North Carolina except for one medical visit, during which appropriate precautions were taken to avoid spreading the virus. To protect patient privacy, no further information about the patient will be shared. NCDHHS’ Division of Public Health is working closely with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to ensure readiness to detect and respond to other possible measles cases or exposures.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how educators and community leaders can address youth vaping and best support North Carolina students.

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.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a $4.5 million investment in the NC Child Treatment Program, a statewide initiative to train mental health providers in trauma-informed treatment models for children with complex behavioral health needs. NCDHHS is investing to expand access to proven behavioral health treatments so young people and their families receive the support they need sooner, and in the communities where they live and learn.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently launched the North Carolina Strategic Housing Plan to help maintain, increase and better utilize affordable supportive housing for people with disabilities across the state. This plan addresses housing needs for individuals with disabilities, including those who are currently receiving or eligible for NCDHHS-funded services as well as those who are experiencing homelessness, currently residing in congregate settings or at risk of entry into these settings.

PRESS RELEASE — The NC Department of Health and Human Services is investing in programs that support mental well-being and recovery for North Carolinians and their families. The department today announced three grant opportunities totaling $4.5 million that will support local partners in developing community-based initiatives to improve equitable access to mental health services, expand peer support services and strengthen family and caregiver support services.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced Blue Cross Blue Shield NC was selected to operate the Children and Families Specialty Plan. A first-of-its-kind initiative, the CFSP is a single, statewide NC Medicaid Managed Care plan that will wrap Medicaid-enrolled children, youth and their families in the child welfare system with seamless, integrated and coordinated health care.