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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Assistant Secretary for MH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | October 20, 2026 | | Assistant Secretary Crosbie Highlights Crisis Response
at Concord Simulation Event | | |
Assistant Secretary Kelly Crosbie joined community members and partners at the Mental Health Simulation Training on October 7 at the Cabarrus Health Alliance in Concord to explore the real-life challenges families face during mental health emergencies. The hands-on simulation allowed participants to step into the shoes of local families and experience the fear, confusion, and barriers often encountered when seeking help.
The event equipped attendees with practical guidance on who to call, what to say, and where to turn during a crisis—so people can get help faster and no one has to face a mental health emergency alone. Assistant Secretary Crosbie’s involvement underscored the Division’s commitment to strengthening crisis response and building a mental health system that meets people where they are.
| | North Carolina Awarded Federal Grant to Improve TBI Services | | |
NCDHHS has received a three-year federal Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program grant to strengthen and expand a coordinated, person-centered statewide system of services for people in North Carolina living with a traumatic brain injury.
The project will help reduce barriers to support, improve agency collaboration, and expand understanding of what people with TBI and their families need across the state. It aligns with the North Carolina TBI State Action Plan (2026–2029), which guides our work on screening, resource navigation, training, and participation in national initiatives.
Expected results include easier access to effective services, stronger provider skills, expanded screening, improved system navigation, and increased support for people with TBI and their caregivers. Information on the project's progress will be shared on the DMH/DD/SUS Traumatic Brain Injury webpage and during upcoming stakeholder engagement events to keep partners and families informed and engaged.
| | Updated State‑Funded Peer Support Services Definition | | |
The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services has updated the State‑Funded Peer Support Services definition to align with the revised 8G Medicaid Peer Support Services language. These updates ensure consistency across the State Plan and current Medicaid policy, and strengthen a unified approach to peer support in North Carolina.
The changes will take effect on December 15, 2026. DMH/DD/SUS has also published a Frequently Asked Questions document that responds to the feedback shared during the public comment period and helps clarify what these changes mean for providers and the people they serve.
| NC One Community in Recovery Conference
Call for Presentation Proposals | | |
Learn More About What's Happening in
Your Community and at DMH/DD/SUS
| | 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 development, 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.
| | State to Local CFAC Community Collaboration Meeting | | |
DMH/DD/SUS invites you to attend the State to Local CFAC Community Collaboration meeting focused on elevating the voices of people and families who receive mental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disability, and traumatic brain injury services.
This meeting is an opportunity to strengthen communication between local CFACs and the State CFAC, share updates, and identify priorities that shape services and supports in our communities. The public is invited to attend.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
Please register before the meeting to receive log-in and dial-in options.
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Inclusion Works Lunch & Learn
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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Join Inclusion Works as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month and lift up the progress communities across North Carolina are making together. We will highlight the progress made over the past year, including a look at Year One of the Inclusion Works Strategic Plan and how it is helping drive more inclusive employment opportunities statewide.
You’ll learn about our goals for the year ahead and the steps we are taking to strengthen inclusive employment across the state so more people can access meaningful work in their communities. 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 Traumatic Brain Injury webpage.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the kickoff
Closed Captioning and American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
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