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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | June 5, 2025 | | |
In response to the continuing opioid crisis, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks to make naloxone, an overdose reversal medication, more widely available, particularly to individuals at highest risk of opioid overdose.
Providers are invited to submit a request via the online survey form: Naloxone Request Survey through Thursday, July 10, 2025. This form is for organizations to submit requests for naloxone for distribution in communities with high overdose rates. This form is not intended for individuals requesting naloxone. For resources related to overdose prevention and accessing naloxone, please visit NaloxoneSaves-nc.org.
| | NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai is scheduled speak at the i2i conference on June 10. He will provide an overview of the current behavioral health landscape in North Carolina and the department’s mission to transform mental health care to create a system that works for everyone. His session, “Behavioral Health in North Carolina: Policy, Progress, and Priorities,” will highlight key investments made by the state, the progress of Tailored Plans, potential impacts of federal Medicaid changes, and ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen behavioral health services for all North Carolinians. | | |
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a discussion on the Olmstead Plan and its mission to improve the lives and well-being of people with disabilities at the i2i Pre-Conference session on June 9. The North Carolina Olmstead Plan guides NCDHHS’ efforts to help people with disabilities live fully integrated lives in their communities.
This plan takes commitment, support and collaboration across a wide range of partners — from people with disabilities and their friends and families, to advocates, providers, government agencies and communities. The session will highlight groundbreaking initiatives from NCDHHS’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services that help to bridge the gap in services. Participants will also learn more about new NCDHHS initiatives to increase visibility of the Innovations Waiver and outreach to people on the waitlist about services available to them right away.
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In the debut episode of Navigating Mental Health NC, DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie and DHHS Chief Psychiatrist and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Carrie Brown, discuss how COVID-19 changed the mental health landscape in North Carolina. Hosted by Meghan Kolb, TV host and lifestyle influencer, this episode's discussion explores the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health across North Carolina.
From feelings of isolation and stress to the pressure on our healthcare workers and youth, Crosbie and Brown dive into the real stories and challenges people faced and the impact it has on North Carolinians today. They also discuss recovery efforts in its aftermath and highlight statewide initiatives and community support programs.
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On Monday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) shared an important update regarding the Healthy Opportunities Pilots (HOP) program and the state budget process currently underway. Current budget proposals from both chambers of the NC General Assembly do not include funding for HOP program services beyond June 30, 2025.
In response, NCDHHS is taking the necessary steps to align implementation with what is permitted by current and proposed budgets. In alignment with the Department’s obligations to remain fiscally responsible with available resources, the Department is preparing to stop Healthy Opportunities Pilot services beginning July 1, 2025.
NCDHHS is working thoughtfully and proactively to ensure a responsible transition, while also preserving the potential to resume services should funding be restored. HOP is a nationally recognized, first-of-its-kind initiative that addresses the essential drivers of health—such as housing, food, and transportation. Community partners are encouraged to continue lifting up the real-life impact of this program.
| | To encourage more health care providers to serve in rural areas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering the opportunity for educational loan repayments. This program, known as the North Carolina Primary Care Physician Incentive, is available to qualifying physicians committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care in independent private practices in certain rural counties. | | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | |
Mental Health Block Grant
Planning and Advisory Council Meeting
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The objective of the Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) is to support the grantees in carrying out plans for providing comprehensive community mental health services. The MHBG Planning and Advisory Council includes state representatives, adults, and youth with lived experience. There are virtual and in-person attendance options available. The public is invited to attend.
Date/Time: Friday, June 6, 2025, 10:00-2:00 p.m.
Join Link: Register for the meeting
Agenda: MHBG Planning and Advisory Council Meeting Agenda
| | Lets Talk About Different Abilities Conference | | Join DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie for an online conference designed to empower parents and caregivers of individuals with different abilities by providing resources, fostering understanding of neurodiversity, and promoting advocacy, all while addressing language barriers and reducing stigma. | | | |
Advancing Health Priorities that Matter to the IDD Community
Learnings and Future Directions
| | Join the Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy for a webinar to share learnings from the intellectual and developmental disabilities community about health outcomes that matter to them. This session will feature a panel of state and national disability experts. The public is invited to attend. | | | |
Inclusion Works Lunch & Learn
Employer Panel Discussion
| | Join Inclusion Works to learn about best practices to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury on their path to achieving Competitive Integrated Employment. | | | |
This month's Lunch & Learn will feature a panel discussion led by Work Together NC. Employers from around the state will share thoughts and insights from their experiences in hiring individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the Lunch & Learn
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be provided.
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