Press Releases

Test Results Show Highest Toxic Algae Levels Recorded in Chowan River this Year

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging the public to stay out of the Chowan River near Indian Creek because of an algal bloom producing the highest levels of toxin recorded this year.

Make Sure Your Child Is Up-To-Date on Vaccines Before School Starts

As teachers, parents and students are preparing for the start of the 2019–2020 school year, public health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are reminding North Carolinians to ensure their children, especially teens and preteens, are current on their vaccinations.

Governor Cooper Proclaims July 26 as ADA Day in North Carolina

Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed Friday as Americans with Disabilities Day in North Carolina, honoring the more than 1.3 million North Carolinians who have a disability and reminding all that the

Test Results Indicate High Health Risk from Contact with Chowan River Algal Bloom

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging the public to stay out of the Chowan River near Arrowhead Beach because of an algal bloom producing a toxin called microcystin. 

Governor Cooper Signs the Opioid Response Act and Other Bills Into Law

Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed the House Bill 325, the Opioid Epidemic Response Act, to help increase access to medication assisted treatment and expand harm reduction measures to reduce opioid overdose deaths across the state.

NC Medicaid Managed Care Open Enrollment Begins Today in 27 Counties

Open enrollment for Medicaid managed care begins today in 27 counties. From July 15 through Sept. 13, 2019, more than 300,000 households with nearly 540,000 people in Medicaid can choose a health plan to provide their Medicaid services, along with a primary care provider.

NC Receives $1.2 Million in Grants to Fight Opioid Epidemic in Six Rural Communities

Six rural North Carolina communities will share $1.2 million in federal grant funds to strengthen and expand their response to opioid use disorder with increased planning; prevention; evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment; and recovery service delivery.

Funding to Help North Carolinians Keep Cool

Funding is available to help North Carolinians in crisis pay utility bills or secure fuel or cooling resources. 

Food Safety Tips for Independence Day

Because many Fourth of July celebrations include grilling, picnics and other outdoor food events, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is promoting easy steps everyone should take to avoid foodborne illnesses associated with summer heat.

Governor Notes Progress in Fighting Opioid Epidemic; Unveils Opioid Action Plan 2.0

Today, at the opening of the 2019 Opioid Summit, Governor Roy Cooper highlighted the state’s progress in addressing the opioid epidemic over the last two years and launched the updated Opioid Action Plan 2.0 to continue to combat this issue in North Carolina.