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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | September 25, 2025 | | |
DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie Awarded for
Extraordinary Contributions to NC MH/DD/SUS System
| | The North Carolina Providers Council awarded Director Kelly Crosbie the Steve Jordan Lighthouse Award at their annual conference in Asheville on September 15. The award honors a person who has made an extraordinary contribution to the mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities service systems in North Carolina. Honorees demonstrate efforts to build a strong network of community-based and community-accessible services, a primary goal in the Division’s five-year strategic plan. | | | The North Carolina Providers Council was organized to promote the overall improvement of both the quality of, and access to community support services for individuals who require supports to live in the communities across North Carolina. | | |
Chief Clinical Director Shares
Successful Mobile Crisis Response Model
| | DMH/DD/SUS Chief Clinical Director Lisa DeCiantis spoke at the first annual NC Coalition on Crisis and Alternative Response (NCCCAR) Summit held September 16-17. DeCiantis shared the benefits of the Mobile Outreach, Response, Engagement and Stabilization (MORES) program in responding to crises and connecting children, adolescents and families to specialized services quickly, as well as providing follow-up care. | | | North Carolina became “First in Co-Response” with the establishment of Chapel Hill’s Crisis Unit in 1973. Across the state, dozens of other counties and municipalities have followed suit, with the largest growth occurring in the last 5-7 years. At the event, alternative response programs in and around the state shared knowledge and collaborated to support the growth and practice of crisis response. | | As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, it’s a good time to stop, reflect and celebrate what our Hope4NC teams have done to help people recover and rebuild in Western North Carolina. At the Asheville, Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) Gala in August, a few of our Hope4NC team members joined community leaders, pastors and partners to reflect on the progress made and the healing that has taken place. What began as a fundraising gala evolved into a celebration of community, a recognition of unified recovery efforts, and a hopeful reminder of the future we are building together. | | | National Suicide Prevention Month: Week Four Focuses on Promoting Dignity Through Connection | | As we wrap up Suicide Prevention Month, we acknowledge the need for dignity and connection in the effort to prevent suicide. In that vein, we celebrate the Stronger Together Conference that was held in Rocky Mount on September 20. The conference was an interactive experience centered on cultural connection, creative expression and community care. It was designed to offer culturally competent and trauma-informed resources to support wellness for Black youth and young adults. | | | |
A sharp increase nationally in suicide rates among young Black males impelled the development of the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan, which focuses on peer support, safe firearm and medication storage, better coordination, and raising awareness. The Stronger Together Conference brought a strong element of connection and collaboration to that work. We commit to continuing the work of preventing suicide in North Carolina and are grateful for the collaboration with our many partners.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, loneliness, or substance use, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential help any time.
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DMH/DD/SUS Director Keynote Speaker at
UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Conference
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The UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative invites youth, students, educators, researchers, and community leaders to the 2025 AAPI Youth Mental Health Conference. This conference is made possible with support from NCDHHS and Blue Cross NC Foundation and features DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie as the Keynote Speaker. Join us for a powerful event celebrating the stories of AAPI youth, using data and personal narratives to promote mental health.
The conference will also premiere the film, Silent War: Asian American Reckoning with Mental Health, a powerful documentary exploring the mental health crisis facing Asian Americans and the stories too often left untold.
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
Location: McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, NC
Registration: Register for conference
More Information: Visit the conference website
Program Speakers: Download event flyer
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
A Conversation on Culture, Identity, and Mental Health
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Join DMH/DD/SUS for a special webinar celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as we explore the powerful connection between culture, identity, and mental health within Hispanic and Latino communities. This webinar will address how cultural values and experiences shape mental well-being, the impact of stigma on seeking support, and the importance of embracing community strengths.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Registration Link: Register for the webinar
Download the Event Flyers: English and Spanish
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be provided.
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DMH/DD/SUS Request for Applications Informational Session
$6M Available for Community-Based Substance Use Services
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The NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS) is now accepting applications for RFA #DMH25-005 to expand community-based substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This funding targets priority populations in areas with high overdose rates or limited access to services. A total of $6 million is available, with awards up to $500,000 per organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen substance use services in your community. Join the info session, get your questions answered, and apply today!
Date/Time: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Registration Link: Register for Informational Session
Download RFA: Download RFA
Applications Due: Nov. 3, 2025
Email Questions Through October 6: rfa.responses@dhhs.nc.gov
| | Mental Health Block Grant Advisory Committee | | |
Join us for an important meeting of the NC Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council as we discuss priorities, funding strategies, and ways to strengthen mental health services across our state. This is a great opportunity to hear updates, share your voice, and help shape the future of mental health care in North Carolina. All are welcome; consumers, families, providers, and community advocates. Your input matters. Together, we can make a difference.
Date/Time: Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, 10:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration Link: Register for the webinar
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Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS
Celebrating Substance Use Prevention Month in North Carolina
| | Join us for a special Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS. This month's focus is Substance Use Prevention Month. We will discuss how prevention is making a difference across North Carolina. Hear real stories from providers, youth, and community partners on the frontlines of prevention, and learn how statewide programs are helping families stay healthy and safe. | | | |
We’ll also spotlight key findings from the FY2025 Prevention Evaluation Report and share simple steps we can all take to support prevention in our homes, schools, and communities. Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities where prevention works and every North Carolinian can thrive.
Date/Time: Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
English Flyer: Download flyer
Spanish Flyer: Download flyer
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be provided.
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