Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SUS



Hot Topics | July 9, 2026

Public Comment Open for

Clinical Coverage Policy 8G, Peer Support Services

NC Medicaid has released its proposed amendments to Clinical Coverage Policy 8G, Peer Support Services, now posted for a 45-day public comment period. The draft policy includes updates to service definitions, provider requirements, and expectations for delivering recovery‑oriented support to adults with serious mental illness or substance use disorders.

The proposed policy is available on the NC Medicaid Proposed Medicaid Policies webpage. Public comments may be submitted by email through August 8, 2026. Community input is encouraged to help shape the final policy.

NCDHHS and the NC Center on the Workforce for Health Webinar Launch of the NC Direct Care Worker Wage and Rate Analysis

NCDHHS and the NC Center on the Workforce for Health are launching a statewide study to better understand direct care worker wages and the service rates that support them.

To share more about this important effort, they will host a webinar outlining the study’s goals, the workforce challenges it aims to address, current payment rates, and how the findings will help shape future planning.

Providers, people with disabilities, older adults, direct support workers, and families are encouraged to attend. Register to join us on July 14, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Order Free 988 Print Materials for Your Back-to School Outreach

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing free, printed 988 educational materials for schools, local governments and community organizations for Back-to-School outreach.

Sign up today for these new bilingual posters, post cards, flyers, wallet cards and stickers designed for youth. Order materials by July 20, 2026, to receive them by late July to share with your community.

New Resource: NCDHHS DPH Fact Sheet

Recently released by the NCDHHS Division of Public Health Injury and Violence Prevention Branch, this new fact sheet highlights trends in self‑inflicted drug poisonings among North Carolina youth from 2020 to 2024. The resource provides context on contributing factors and emphasizes the importance of early intervention.

Locking up medications at home is a simple way to help keep everyone safe, and families are encouraged to review the safety tips provided. Explore the fact sheet for additional guidance, data insights, and links to supportive resources.

Community Resources

Dashboards/Reporting:

• Strategic Plan Dashboard
• 988 Performance Dashboard
• Innovations Waitlist Dashboard

Community Engagement

Learn More About What's Happening in

Your Community and at DMH/DD/SUS

Supporting Wellness and Inclusion

Project Spark Community Health Fair

NCDHHS Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) is hosting a Project Spark Community Health Fair in Winston Salem.

Attendees can learn about how Project Spark resources can support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Novant Health's Community Care Cruiser will be on site to provide free preventive health screenings. Attendees can also learn about healthy food options on a budget and how to effectively navigate different interactions in the workplace.

Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2026, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Location: Vocational Rehabilitation Service, 2201 Brewer Road, Winston-Salem, NC

More Information: Download the event flyer

NC Medicaid Lunch & Learn: NC Strategic Housing Plan

Join NC Medicaid for a Lunch and Learn focused on the NC Strategic Housing Plan, a statewide initiative designed to address the housing needs of individuals with disabilities.

This session will provide an overview of how the plan supports people who are receiving or eligible for NCDHHS‑funded services, including those experiencing homelessness, living in congregate settings, or at risk of entry into these settings. Josh Walker, Manager of the NCDHHS Strategic Housing Plan, will share insights into the plan’s goals, strategies, and impact across NC.

Date/Time: Monday, July 13, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the Lunch & Learn

Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

In recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join us for a conversation highlighting innovative approaches that are expanding access to mental health, substance use, crisis, and support services across North Carolina. Communities across our state experience different barriers to care. From geography and transportation challenges to language, culture, stigma, and trust, organizations are finding new ways to connect with people who have not always had easy access to services and support.

This webinar will feature organizations from across North Carolina that are working to reach people in new ways, build trust within their communities, and improve access to care. Through community stories and real-world examples, participants will hear what these organizations are learning and how their approaches are helping more people get connected to support.

Date/Time: Monday, July 13, 2026, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

Closed Captioning and American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.

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