Hot Topics

Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMH/DD/SUS

Hot Topics | June 3, 2025

New Hope4NC Billboards in Western North Carolina

All across Western North Carolina, billboards are popping up in the region’s 12 counties to promote Hope4NC crisis services for people impacted by Hurricane Helene. Starting in June, Public Service Announcements will be heard on the radio and Hope4NC services will be highlighted on Facebook and Instagram.

This communication campaign is designed let people know there is somewhere to turn if the emotional weight of trying to rebuild gets too heavy to bear alone. With support when you need it most, hope is here.

NCDHHS Launches Located Map for Providers of Free Vaccines

NCNCDHHS has launched a new, interactive VFC provider map to help eligible North Carolina families find free childhood vaccines in their area through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This searchable online map includes all VFC providers across North Carolina, and is searchable by city or zip code.

The VFC program provides free vaccines for eligible children and teens, covering all those recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including those required for childcare and school in North Carolina. Families could save hundreds of dollars per child compared to out-of-pocket vaccine costs.

Brain Online – A New Test for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

BRAIN-online is a new web-based screening tool that assesses cognitive and behavioral features known to be associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) that is completely anonymous. It was developed by a team at the San Diego State University Center for Behavioral Teratology (the study of congenital abnormalities) as a first step to determine if you or someone you care for might have an FASD.

Developmental and behavioral health screenings are important because they can help with early identification of FASD, allowing for the best treatment options and outcomes. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with FASD, you can connect with services provided by a Tailored Plan, a new type of NC Medicaid Managed Care health plan. These plans are “tailored” for people who have more complex health needs and who may need long-term rehabilitation and care, either in a treatment facility or at home.

UNC Holds 2025 First Episode Pychosis (FEP) Symposium Rethinking Recovery

Every year, about 100,000 young people experience psychosis, which is an experience of having difficulty knowing what is real and unreal. Since people experiencing psychosis need resources as soon as possible, it is important to recognize the first episode and get supports in place. A goal of the DMHDDSUS 5-year strategic plan is to promote early detection and service provision.

The UNC School of Medicine held its annual symposium on first episode psychosis May 5 and 6. The symposium was titled "Rethinking Recovery." Participants explored new ways to support clients and shared recovery stories of people diagnosed with psychosis, focusing on the role of family support specialists.

North Carolina Injury and Violence Prevention Branch Releases Two New Webpages

The North Carolina Injury and Violence Prevention Branch is excited to announce the release of two new webpages on alcohol use and its related harms.

The North Carolina Alcohol and Related Harms Data page streamlines annual updates of key metrics. It includes quarterly alcohol-related surveillance updates, statewide summary data, and interactive visuals of state and county-level metrics. The website is designed to help partners across North Carolina to understand the impacts of excessive alcohol use in their communities.

The new North Carolina Alcohol Use and Related Harms Prevention page provides general information and prevention strategies to reduce excessive alcohol use and its related harms.

Feedback on the data or prevention page is invited through an anonymous, online survey. For more information about alcohol use and related harms, please visit the Injury and Violence Prevention Branch website or email substanceusedata@dhhs.nc.gov.

Community Resources

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Community Engagement

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Community Events

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.

Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 9:00-4:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for webinar

More Information: English Flyer /Spanish Flyer

DMH/DD/SUS Hosts Spring i2i Pre-Conference Session

Advancing the Olmstead Plan: One Goal, Many Partners

People with disabilities deserve choice and inclusion in all areas of their lives. You are invited to join us for a dynamic and informative discussion about how North Carolina’s Olmstead Plan is advancing choice and inclusion for all.

The discussion features people with lived experience, providers, and state leaders. It is part of a special i2i Center for Integrative Health pre-conference forum that covers changes at the state and national level. Registration is open through June 4, 2025.

Pre-Conference Date/Time: Monday, June 9, 2025, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Pre-Conference Information: Download the event flyer

Location: Hilton Raleigh North Hills, 3415 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC

Registration: i2i is accepting on-site registrants for the Pre-Conference day only. Interested attendees must email Jean Overstreet by 5:00 p.m. on June 4 to be added to the list.

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.

Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina

Peers on the Beach Kick-Off Event

You are invited to attend the second annual Peers on the Beach event. Special guest speakers include Senator Bob Brinson and Carteret County Sheriff Buck. The public is invited to attend and the event is free. The purpose of the “Peers on the Beach” campaign is to destigmatize substance use addiction and mental illness and provide immediate access to peer support resources.

Following the event, on every Friday afternoon throughout the summer, Peer Support Specialists will visit Atlantic Beach to exchange with beach guests about the recovery resources available through Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina. They will also provide a resource table set up every Friday afternoon at Fort Macon.

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 13, 2025, 10:30 a.m.

Location: Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC

More Information: Download the event flyer

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