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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | August 28, 2025 | | This Sunday is International Overdose Awareness Day | |
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day—a global moment to remember those lost to overdose, support those in recovery, and promote hope for a future without overdose.
This year’s theme: We are one big family, driven by hope.
At DMH/DD/SUS, we’re dedicated to preventing overdose and supporting recovery across North Carolina. We invite you to explore and share these important resources with your family, friends, clients, and communities.
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Key Resources in North Carolina
- Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)
- 96 OTPs across the state offer all FDA-approved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)—the gold standard of care
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Find a location using the Central Registry Map
- Mobile Opioid Treatment
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NC now offers mobile treatment units—with more on the way!
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Watch a video tour by Morse Clinics.
- Free Naloxone Access
- Naloxone reverses opioid overdose and saves lives
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Order free kits and find resources at naloxonesaves-nc.org
- Syringe Services Programs
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53 syringe services programs statewide offering harm reduction tools, disease prevention, and access to care
- Unshame NC
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A new social media campaign fighting stigma through real recovery stories from North Carolinians
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Visit UnshameNC.org to read or share a story
How You Can Help
Join us in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day by:
| | The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrated the launch of an electronic health record powered by Epic for North Carolina’s 13 state-operated healthcare facilities on Monday. These facilities provide critical medical and behavioral treatment of adults and children with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and neuro-medical conditions. This advancement in patient care will allow for improved and more comprehensive care, streamlined processes for staff, enhanced security for protection of patient data, and improved regulatory compliance. | | The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing free, printed System of Care educational materials for schools, local governments and community organizations. Sign up today for bilingual flyers, rack cards, wallet cards, and stickers. | | | Order materials by September 3, 2025, to receive them mid-September to share with your community! To order materials, submit a print materials order form by September 3, 2025. | | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | Benchmarks’ Public/Private Behavioral Health Forum | | |
Join Benchmarks for a must-attend event open to all and buzzing with excitement. The morning session begins with Benchmarks President and CEO, Karen McLeod, along side Jay Ludlam from NC Medicaid and Kelly Crosbie from DMH/DD/SUS.
Together they will unpack the latest trends and updates in behavioral health. Topics will include Federal and State Medicaid updates, standard plans, tailored plans, the Healthy Opportunities status, Children & Families Specialty Plan, and other Medicaid Waiver updates. The afternoon session brings a dynamic panel featuring experts from across the NCDHHS divisions, diving into clinical policy, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, facility licensure and more.
Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, 10:30- 2:30 p.m.
Location: The Royal Banquet & Conference Center, 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC
Registration: Register for the forum
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Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS
Transforming Rural Health: NCDHHS Discusses New Federal Funding
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Join NCDHHS leaders for a panel discussion about the Rural Health Transformation Program – a new funding opportunity to improve access to hospitals and strengthen mental health and substance use treatment in rural communities.
Hosted by DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie, this month's Side By Side webinar will educate the public about the new program while seeking community input that will shape North Carolina’s application for these federal funds.
Date/Time: Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
Download Event Flyer: English | Spanish
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be provided.
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Inclusion Works DSP Appreciation Week Webinar
Celebrating the Heart of Care
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Join Inclusion Connects as we celebrate the work of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). DSPs are the caring people who help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live better, more independent lives. In this webinar, you’ll hear real stories from DSPs as they talk about why this work matters and how it changes lives.
If you are a DSP and work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we want to hear from you! Submit a survey to tell us why this work matters to you.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, 1:00-1:45 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
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North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
Growing Well Conference: "Moving Mountains and Community"
| | The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is excited to partner with the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness at Appalachian State for a conference focused on raising children and youth with developmental disabilities and other disabilities throughout their lifetime. Scholarships for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and family members are available for registration (and a limited number for travel). | | | |
This year’s theme, “Moving Mountains and Community,” highlights the resilience, innovation, and collaboration needed to improve outcomes for families navigating complex health and social systems. The conference features a dynamic mix of individual and group presentations, expert panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions will be led by healthcare providers, researchers, government leaders, educators, and individuals with lived experience—offering a wide range of perspectives.
Date/Time: Oct. 12-14, 2025
Location: Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences, 1179 State Farm Road, Boone, NC
Registration: Register for the conference
Scholarships: Apply for a scholarship
More information: Download conference flyer
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