Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMHDDSUS

Hot Topics | March 13, 2025

Inclusion Connects Releases Report on Progress

The Inclusion Connects January 15, 2025 report summary and full report have been posted to the Inclusion Connects website. The report provides progress updates on North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services initiatives to enhance service access and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

NCDHHS Investment to Strengthen the

Direct Support Professionals Workforce

As part of this investment, DMHDDSUS awarded DSP Recruitment and Retainment Incentive payments to 54 providers and 82 members who participate in the Employer of Record (EOR) model across the state. These incentives support DSP recruitment and retention efforts through employee-focused initiatives and supports, training, recruitment efforts and retention bonuses.

Additionally, DMHDDSUS is piloting five programs with Bayada Health Care, Horizons Residential Care Center, Blue West Opportunities, OE Enterprises and Carolina Center for Autism Services. These programs are exceptionally innovative and show great promise for improving the DSP workforce. The pilots will allow for testing of new initiatives that will provide data, feedback, and other insights to optimize future planning to continue to recruit and retain DSPs across the state. 

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

This month highlights the importance of investing in and promoting resources for those who are struggling. NCDHHS has enhanced its efforts to address problem gambling by increasing funding for education, outreach, and treatment services. The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program continues to offer its services, including counseling and peer support, to help people maintain a healthy relationship with gambling or abstain completely. Individuals seeking assistance can contact the free, confidential North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline at 877-718-5543, text morethanagamenc to 53342, or visit the morethanagame.nc.gov website. 

Community Resources

Dashboards/Reporting:

• Strategic Plan Dashboard
• 988 Performance Dashboard
• LME/MCO Dashboard

Community Engagement

NC Virtual Sports Betting Summit

The "Gamblification" of Sports Culture and Safety Considerations

Over the last six years, 38 states have legalized sports gambling with 30 of these states permitting online sports betting. In March of 2024, North Carolina became the most recent state to join this majority allowing online sports betting. Nationwide calls to problem gambling helplines and reports of harm related to gambling have been on the rise. North Carolina is no exception.

The integration of gambling and gambling activities into non-gambling activities such as sports has been described as “gamblification,” and it can be seen in the acceptance of sports betting as an normal part of sport culture. As the popularity of sports betting grows, so do concerns about its impacts on individuals, communities, and overall wellness.

Offered by DMHDDSUS, UNC Behavioral Health Springboard Learn, and Telus Health, attend this event to learn from national and international experts as they present their ideas in creating a safer sports viewing.

Date/Time: Monday, March 24, 2025, 9:00-4:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the summit

More Information: Visit summit website

I/DD Legislative Caucus Listening Session

at the NC General Assembly

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Legislative Caucus will be holding a Listening Session on March 26th from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at the NC General Assembly. Speaker slots are being filled, but North Carolina individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family members can attend. 

Attendees should try to schedule a visit with Legislators before and after the event. Find your Legislators on the General Assembly website by entering your address and clicking NC Senator and NC House. Reach out to the Legislative Assistant to request a meeting with your Legislators on that day by clicking on the Legislative Assistant’s name. 

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Location: 3rd Floor of the Legislative Building,16 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC

Registration: Register for the session

NC College Student Gambling Summit

Save the Date! 

The Gambling Research & Policy Initiative (GRPI), in collaboration with the NCDHHS Problem Gambling Program, ECU Campus Recreation & Wellness, and Telus Health, invite you to the upcoming NC College Student Gambling Summit at East Carolina University.

This important event aims to provide valuable education and resources to campuses across North Carolina.

Learn about a new curriculum for college campuses to offer to students to help them understand gambling and recognize the signs of gambling-related harms. The registration cost is $45 for university staff/faculty and includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks. Each staff/faculty registration allows two students to attend for free.

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 9:00-5:00 p.m.

Location: East Carolina University Main Student Center, 501 E 10th St., Greenville, NC

Registration: Register for the summit

More Information: Download the summit flyer

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