NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the Inclusion Works initiative to promote competitive integrated employment for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, because everyone in North Carolina has a right to work in an integrated setting for fair pay if that is their choice. Inclusion Works offers resources for people with disabilities seeking employment, those who are currently employed and employers who hire and retain staff with an intellectual or developmental disability.

Suicide Prevention Month helps highlight resources for those in need and works to reduce stigma. Suicide is a state and national public health crisis that affects people of all ages and from all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Suicide awareness is key to saving lives, and with September recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services remembers those affected by suicide and is raising awareness about treatments and resources available to everyone in the community.

September is National Food Safety Education Month and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is raising awareness about common foodborne illnesses and steps you can take to prevent them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 48 million cases of foodborne illness each year across the U.S., affecting one in six Americans. Common foodborne pathogens include Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Norovirus and Listeria, and symptoms of food poisoning may include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting and/or fever.

During the current period where COVID-19 cases are increasing, treatment is readily available and appropriate for the majority of North Carolinians. Using antiviral treatments reduces the risk of serious illness and preliminary data indicates treatment is associated with reduced risk of developing long-COVID. Treatment works most effectively when started early and is advised for those at high risk for severe disease, even if your current symptoms are mild.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley — alongside NC State Senator Jim Burgin, NC State Representative Howard Penny and Campbell University leadership — will host a community discussion in Lillington, N.C, on Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. on improving the mental health of college students across North Carolina. NCDHHS is committed to advancing behavioral health and resilience, as more than three million people in North Carolina have mental health or substance use disorders.

North Carolina is making it easier for aspiring and current early childhood teachers to get classroom experience and college credit to meet the state’s growing child care needs. The NC Department of Health and Human Services announced today early care and learning teachers can now use their previous training and skills development to qualify for NC Community College credits to earn certificates and further their higher education. High school students can now also use career and technical education courses and apprenticeship opportunities to get a head start on a career as an early childhood teacher.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) today announced the launch of a new website: BreastfeedNC.com. A new website dedicated to providing comprehensive information and resources to support North Carolina mothers and families interested in breastfeeding.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss substance use, overdose prevention and how we can support teens and young adults in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is moving forward with Medicaid expansion and announcing the anticipated start date of Oct. 1, 2023. This announcement is part of a compromise agreement NCDHHS obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that will allow the department to move forward with the required public notices for beneficiaries, counties and providers while still awaiting authority from the NC General Assembly.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging North Carolinians to be aware of the potential dangers of having wounds or cuts open to saltwater or brackish water following reports of three deaths due to Vibrio infections in North Carolina residents.