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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | September 15, 2026 | | |
Advancing Recovery
DMH/DD/SUS Tours North Carolina Clubhouses
| | As part of efforts to elevate clubhouses within the continuum of mental health resources, Kelly Crosbie, Assistant Secretary for NCDHHS Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, is conducting site visits that highlight the strength of the clubhouse model and its role in community-based recovery. On September 1, Assistant Secretary Crosbie visited Club Nova in Carrboro. View pictures from the visit. | | | DMH/DD/SUS is investing $1.9 million in strengthening North Carolina’s Clubhouse network through a multi-year initiative focused on training, accreditation and modernization. Clubhouses are non-clinical environments where people living with serious mental illness build connection, purpose and stability through shared work and community involvement. | |
DMH/DD/SUS leadership is celebrating a month of Clubhouse visits, including tours of Sanctuary House and Hillcrest House, the permanent supported housing program operated by Sanctuary House. During the visits, CEO Jodi Lorenzo welcomed Chief Clinical Officer Lisa DeCiantis and DMH/DD/SUS staff, who enjoyed meeting members, hearing their recovery journeys, joining them in the preparation of lunch, and sharing the meal.
DMH/DD/SUS is strengthening the Clubhouse network through targeted investments that support clubhouses across the state, including Adventure House in Shelby, Brighter House in Morganton, Charlotte Clubhouse in Charlotte, Club Horizon – Monarch in Raleigh, Club Nova in Carrboro, Connections Clubhouse in Newton, Sanctuary House in Greensboro and Threshold Clubhouse in Durham.
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Strengthening Wellness and Readiness for
North Carolina’s First Responders
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The North Carolina Responder Assistance Initiative (NCRAI) is strengthening the wellness and readiness of first responders across the state. NCRAI provides evidence-based programs, including Critical Incident Stress Management, SafeTalk, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, to help responders manage stress, navigate trauma, and stay mission-ready during critical incidents.
| | Under Executive Order 33, the state is expanding awareness of NCRAI and increasing training opportunities for law enforcement and other first responders, especially those who support individuals with developmental or cognitive differences. | | | This initiative plays a vital role in building a more resilient, connected, and prepared public safety workforce. With NCRAI’s specialized tools, responders receive the support they need to stay effective and safe—ultimately strengthening community protection across North Carolina. | | The NC Brain Injury Advisory Council is Seeking Members | | |
The NC Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) is seeking strong candidates to fill several open seats. BIAC brings together survivors, family members, professionals, and state leaders to better understand how traumatic and acquired brain injuries affect people in North Carolina and to advise state officials on improving services and supports.
BIAC is currently seeking survivors of a brain injury and family members from Central North Carolina to serve on the advisory council. If you or someone you know is interested, applications may be submitted online. Your partnership can help strengthen services and supports for people living with brain injuries across North Carolina.
| | Watch the recording of last week’s fireside chat and tele-town hall hosted by NCDHHS, where leaders discussed how new federal and state laws will affect NC Medicaid. The conversation walks through who will need to meet the new work and community engagement requirement, who may lose coverage under these rules, and what steps people can take to prepare for upcoming changes. | | | The NC Medicaid website provides information on what to expect, when changes to eligibility, and renewals go into effect and where to find resources. People can also connect with their local Department of Social Services to better understand their health coverage options and how the new rules may impact their care. In addition, NCDHHS recently released a toolkit to share information about new rules for NC Medicaid that includes flyers, social media posts, a rack card, and a wallet card in English and Spanish. | |
Direct Support Professionals Honored
During 2026 Recognition Week
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During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 13-19, DMH/DD/SUS proudly joins the State of North Carolina in honoring the essential contributions of Direct Support Professionals. Their dedication, skill, and compassion help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives.
As highlighted in Governor Josh Stein’s proclamation, these professionals play a vital role in supporting daily living, employment, and community inclusion across home- and community-based settings. Their commitment strengthens families, enriches communities, and advances person-centered care across North Carolina. DMH/DD/SUS extends its deepest gratitude to Direct Support Professionals for their unwavering service and meaningful impact.
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Learn More About What's Happening in
Your Community and at DMH/DD/SUS
| | Beneficiary/LRP Alignment of 1915(i) Eligibility and Care Plan/ISP to the Birth Month | |
Join DMH/DD/SUS and NC Medicaid for an important webinar that explains the Department’s upcoming shift to align 1915(i) Eligibility Timelines and the Care Plan/ISP with each beneficiary’s birth month. This session will walk you through why the Department is making this change and how the new timeline will work once the process is fully in place.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the purpose of moving to a birth month alignment and learn what the updated timeline will look like from beginning to end. This is a valuable opportunity to stay informed and prepare for the adjustments that will support a more consistent and streamlined experience for beneficiaries and providers.
Date/Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
Closed Captioning and American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
| The Path to Prevention: Foundations for Suicide Prevention | | |
We all have a role to play in supporting mental health and preventing suicide. Parents, coaches, faith leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, coworkers, friends, and neighbors can make a meaningful difference by recognizing when someone may be struggling, offering support, and connecting them to helpful resources.
The Path to Prevention is a community-centered summit and training event created for people who want to strengthen their understanding of mental health and suicide prevention. Whether you are new to these topics or looking to build confidence in recognizing concerns and guiding others to support, this event offers practical and accessible knowledge and tools to help you make an impact in your community. Register by September 10.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2026, 9:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Life Enrichment Center, 3805 Tarheel Club Road, Raleigh, NC
Registration: Register for the summit
More Information: Download the event flyer
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Faith and Mental Health Initiative
Cohort One Introduction and Training
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Faith in Mental Health helps faith communities support people who are impacted by mental health or substance use disorders. The program provides training and certification that equips churches to start and manage a mental health ministry.
This training will offer an introduction to Cohort I. You will learn about your role in supporting your community with mental health needs and available resources. You will also create an action plan to guide your next steps. Faith in Mental Health is supported by DMH/DD/SUS.
Date/Time: Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Salvation Army of Henderson, 2292 Ross Mill Road, Henderson, NC
Registration: Register for the training
More Information: Download the training flyer
| | Brain Injury Advisory Council Meeting | | |
The purpose of the Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) is to review the nature and cause of traumatic and other acquired brain injuries in North Carolina.
The Council also makes recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the planning, development, funding, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide service delivery system to address the needs of brain injury survivors. All BIAC meetings are open to the public. Virtual and in-person attendance options are available.
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, 9:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: NCDHHS,1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh, NC
Registration: Register for the meeting
Public Comment: Sign up for public comment
| Opioid and Prescription Drug Abuse Advisory Committee Meeting | | |
Join DMH/DD/SUS for the quarterly Opioid and Prescription Drug Abuse Advisory Committee (OPDAAC) meeting. This month’s session will focus on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). We’ll begin with an overview of MOUD, including the science and efficacy behind these medications, followed by a presentation on treatment practices and special considerations for the pre/peri‑natal population. The meeting will conclude with a panel discussion highlighting MOUD programs across North Carolina. This is a quarterly meeting, and the public is invited to attend.
Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, 9:30-12:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
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