Press Releases

NCDHHS Maintaining Access to COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for Uninsured Patients

Providers can continue treating uninsured patients with the monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab after the product went on the commercial market last week because of a plan implemented by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Monkeypox Vaccine to be Distributed at Charlotte Pride Events Thanks to Strong Federal, State and Local Partnership

Thanks to a pilot program from the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to offer additional vaccines to states hosting large LGBTQI+ events, Mecklenburg County Public Health will be distributing monkeypox vaccines at Charlotte Pride events this weekend.

NCDHHS to Host Livestream Know Before You Go Back-to-School COVID-19 Cafecito and Tele-Town Hall

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 7–8 p.m. to discuss COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, boosters, testing and treatment.

NCDHHS Kicks Off Know Before You Go With Back-to-School COVID-19 Campaign

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services kicks off the Know Before You Go campaign today, a statewide initiative reminding North Carolinians to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in time for the start of the 2022-2023 school year, fall festivities, large gatherings and end-of-year celebrations and holidays.

NCDHHS Releases Monkeypox Case, Vaccine and Testing Demographic Report; Shows Vaccine Racial Disparities Within MSM Community

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a report of the state’s monkeypox data, including how many vaccines have been administered across the state since July. This data shows that while 70% of cases are in Black men, Black North Carolinians have received less than a quarter of the vaccinations so far.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

NCDHHS Invests More in At-Home COVID-19 Testing Strategy, Reinforces Surge Capacity

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is doubling down on at-home testing — establishing Community Access Points in all counties to provide free and easy COVID-19 tests for home use. Starting July 1, people will be able to find home tests at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTests. 

NCDHHS to Host Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5 on June 28

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, June 28, 6–7 p.m., to discuss COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 years of age.

Julian F. Keith ADATC Expanding Outpatient Services to Strengthen Local Response to Opioid Epidemic

People combatting opioid use disorder in Western North Carolina are gaining expanded access to lifesaving outpatient services. Beginning July 1, Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center will add additional services to its existing outpatient program. With financial support from and a partnership with Dogwood Health Trust, many individuals who receive inpatient treatment will now gain access to effective, evidence-based Medication Assisted Treatment, housing assistance and outpatient treatment and support services.

NCDHHS Encourages Screening and Testing During National HIV Testing Day

At the end of 2021, an estimated 4,000 people were living with HIV in North Carolina and unaware of their HIV+ status. Getting tested routinely and knowing their status means people can get treatment quicker.
 

North Carolina to Help 975,000 Kids Access Food During Summer 2022

Eligible North Carolina children will receive additional benefits over the summer to ensure they have access to nutritious food. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer food assistance program through Summer 2022.