| |
|
Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | October 15, 2026 | | |
NCDHHS Inclusion Connects Releases Quarterly Report Expanding Access to Services and Supports for People with I/DD
| | |
As part of its commitment to serve persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), Inclusion Connects has published the most recent detailed quarterly report.
The report summary highlights progress in enhancing service access and support for people with I/DD in North Carolina.
| | Watch the Recording: Fireside Chat on
Upcoming NC Medicaid Changes: | | |
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services held a fireside chat and tele‑town hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14 to explain how new federal and state laws will affect NC Medicaid. The session covered recent rule changes, what to expect on Jan. 1, 2027, and how to find help and resources. Many non‑citizens lost Medicaid coverage on Oct. 1, 2026, and more changes for adults ages 19–64 without a disability begin next year.
More information and bilingual toolkits are available at Medicaid.nc.gov/changes and Medicaid.nc.gov/cambios, and local DSS offices can help people understand their coverage options.
Watch the Recording: NEW RULES FOR NCMEDICAID: Know What's Next
| | AskMeNC Anniversary Celebration and Report Release | | |
Join partners from across North Carolina on Friday, November 6, as we celebrate the first anniversary of AskMeNC and mark the release of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine Task Force on Veterans’ Health Report.
The gathering at NCDHHS headquarters will bring together Service Members, Veterans, families, community partners, providers, and leaders from across the state to celebrate a year of asking, connecting, and strengthening support for North Carolina’s military‑connected communities. It will also look forward using NCIOM’s recommendations for improving Veterans’ health and systems of care.
Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: 1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh, NC 27607 [Conference Rms A & B]
Registration: AskMeNC Event Registration
| Register Today! Addiction Medicine Essentials
October 16–17, 2026 Virtual Conference | |
Clinicians and healthcare professionals across the state are invited to join the upcoming Addiction Medicine Essentials virtual conference, a two‑day event designed to strengthen core knowledge and clinical skills in addiction medicine. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced provider, the conference offers a balanced mix of foundational learning, advanced clinical strategies, emerging trends, and real‑world case challenges across a wide range of substance use topics.
Chief Clinical Officer Saarah Waleed will provide a State‑of‑the‑State update, offering important insights into current priorities, progress, and opportunities within North Carolina’s mental health and substance use systems.
Event Dates: October 16–17, 2026
Registration: Register for the virtual conference
Credits: 12.25 CME/CE
| | From Policy to Place:
HOPE NC Hosts 5th Annual Inclusive Housing Summit | | |
On Monday, November 9th, HOPE NC will host the 5th Annual Inclusive Housing Summit at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill. This year’s theme, From Policy to Place, will bring together leaders and advocates from across North Carolina who are working to expand inclusive housing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Assistant Secretary Kelly Crosbie will join Janneke Ratcliffe, Housing Advisor to Governor Stein, for a keynote panel. Members of the NC General Assembly I/DD Caucus and presenters from across North Carolina and beyond will also participate.
| | |
Date/Time: Monday, Nov. 9, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Friday Center, Chapel Hill
| | | Advancing Ageism Awareness: Trainings from HEART | |
Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed October 9, 2026 as Ageism Awareness Day in North Carolina, highlighting the state’s rapidly growing older population, the importance of respecting older adults as capable and valued, and the need to combat age-based stereotypes in education, employment, housing, health care, and beyond.
To mark this observance, HEART (Healthy Education and Resource Teams) is offering a series of trainings that bolster ageism awareness and improve support for older adults. These sessions support caregivers and providers with trauma-informed, person-centered education designed to reduce stigma, strengthen mental health awareness, and enhance the well-being and dignity of older adults.
Virtual Training
Neurocognitive Disorders and the Basics of Dementia
Monday, October 19, 2026, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the training
In-Person Trainings
Location: New Hanover County Library, 230 Grace Street Wilmington, NC 28401
Substance Abuse in Older Adults
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Dementia
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Sleep Disorders
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
More information: New Hanover County Library Calendar
| | |
Learn More About What's Happening in
Your Community and at DMH/DD/SUS
| | |
Introduction to Autism Diagnosis, Interventions, and
Supports in North Carolina
| |
Attend the final session of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities webinar series on autism featuring clinicians, researchers, self advocates, and other experts who will share practical insights on diagnosis, interventions, and supports.
The webinar is designed to help families, professionals, and community partners better understand the path to an autism diagnosis and the wide range of available supports. Attend to learn more about autism resources and the experiences of autistic individuals and their families.
Date/Time: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
| Inclusion Connects Advisory Committee Meeting | |
The Inclusion Connects Advisory Committee provides valuable feedback on how Inclusion Connects supports individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The committee reviews opportunities to enhance existing services and explores ideas for new programs that better serve this community.
Date/Time: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
| Inclusion Works Community Advisory Committee Meeting | | |
Join Inclusion Works for an update on the progress of its programs and initiatives. This quarter's meeting will highlight advancements in the Inclusion Works Strategic Plan, standardized employment assessments, workforce deveopment, and provider innovation grants. Presenters will also share upcoming provider training opportunities and provide an overview of recent data insights.
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
| | |
Inclusion Works Lunch & Learn
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
| | |
Join Inclusion Works as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We will highlight the progress made over the past year, including a look at Year One of the Inclusion Works Strategic Plan. You’ll learn about our goals for the year ahead and the steps we are taking to strengthen inclusive employment across the state. Most importantly, we will recognize and celebrate the work of North Carolinians who are advancing inclusion every day.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
Closed Captioning and American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
| | Statewide Traumatic Brain Injury Provider Collaborative Kickoff | |
North Carolina is launching a Statewide Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Provider Collaborative to strengthen connections and expand support for people living with brain injuries. The new initiative responds to the state’s limited TBI workforce, growing provider needs, and the need for stronger, more coordinated collaboration.
By joining the Collaborative, participants will help build a more unified network and contribute to shaping statewide TBI priorities. Anyone involved in providing services or supports to people living with brain injuries is encouraged to participate in this new statewide effort. To learn more about TBI, visit the DMH/DD/SUS website.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the kickoff
| Ribbon Cutting and Open House: New Adolescent Residential Substance Use Treatment Center | |
Join Insight Human Services as they celebrate the opening of their new adolescent residential substance use treatment center in Marion, NC. Community members, partners, families, and friends are invited to tour the center, meet the Insight team, and learn more about this new resource for youth and families across North Carolina.
The new program will serve up to nine adolescents ages 12–17, providing intensive clinical support in a structured, home‑like setting. Youth will receive treatment while staying connected to their families and school and preparing for a successful return home. The DMH/DD/SUS-supported program was developed with Vaya Partners.
Date/Time: November 4, 2026. Program begins at 12:15 p.m.; light refreshments provided
Location: 200 Little Acres Drive, Marion, NC 28752
More information: Download the flyer
| |
Beyond the Referral: The TULA Care Pathway to
Ongoing Remote Support and Independence
| |
Join Inclusion Connects for an engaging overview of how the Technology Ultimate Living Assistant (TULA) program supports members from the first referral through long term remote support services.
This webinar will explain the referral process, describe the assessment approach, and highlight how TULA collaborates with members, families, providers, and care teams to put technology supports in place that strengthen independence, safety, and quality of life.
The session will also walk through how to access TULA and enabling device supports. Referral is the starting point, not the finish line. TULA partners with members and care teams every step of the way to empower greater independence and enhance quality of life.
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
| |
Assistant Secretary Kelly Crosbie Joins Statewide Panel on
Mental Health in North Carolina
| | North Carolina continues to see rising mental health needs, and this upcoming Triangle Business Journal event brings together leaders who are working every day to respond to these challenges. Save the date and register today to be part of the conversation. | | |
Kelly Crosbie, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services at NCDHHS, will join experts from UNC Health and Duke to share what they are seeing across the state.
| | |
The panel will explore how statewide initiatives are addressing these trends and where work is headed next. It’s an important opportunity to hear directly from leaders shaping North Carolina’s mental health future.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC
Registration: Register for the event
| | Stay Connected - Get Involved | | Follow Us on Social Media | | | | |
