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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | July 29, 2025 | | |
More than 120 NCDHHS representatives and partners from across the state attended the Department’s celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The landmark legislation was passed on July 26,1990 to expand access and opportunity for all Americans with disabilities. The celebration on July 24 at the Hilton in Raleigh included a variety of speakers and panel discussions. DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie served as Master of Ceremonies. The event also celebrated Disability Pride Month.
The ADA has changed the lives of numerous North Carolinians, as one in four Americans has a disability. It has been a guiding light for NCDHHS, as the department has implemented policies and programs for decades to improve the lives of all North Carolinians. NCDHHS plays a critical role in cross-agency collaboration to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities. From employment services to help people with disabilities achieve employment and independence goals, to providing access to supportive housing and assistive technology, NCDHHS is dedicated to ensuring every North Carolinian has access to the resources and support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
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Visit to Christian Recovery Center Highlights Success of
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Combined with Faith-Based Approaches to Recovery
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On July 16, DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie and division leaders including Saarah Waleed, DeDe Severino, Anna Stanley, and Pamela Morrison traveled to Shallotte to visit the Christian Recovery Center, Inc. (CRC), a long-term residential substance use treatment center for men and women. “Our visit to CRC was truly inspiring. We met so many folks in long term recovery who were excited to share their journey and the data behind the success of their program,” remarked Kelly Crosbie.
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Christian Recovery Center is a unique recovery program, combining both faith and science to offer treatment and support recovery for individuals with substance misuse. The program provides a phased approach to treatment that can last up to two years, depending on the needs and goals of the individual.
According to Executive Director Josh Torbich, the program has seen a 100% increase in retention since adding the availability of Suboxone, psychiatric/mental health care and Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment (SACOT) for program participants in the early weeks of their recovery. During and after SACOT, participants live in the treatment centers, contribute to the community, and receive and give peer support. For participants who decide to incorporate on-going medication as part of their recovery, Christian Recovery Center will refer to another community substance use treatment provider who offers a treatment approach that includes MOUD.
Kelly Crosbie added, “We look forward to long term collaboration and learning with the team at CRC.” Increased access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder is a priority in the DMH/DD/SUS strategic plan, which includes a plan to make Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) more available throughout the state.
| | DMH/DD/SUS Director Speaks at Benchmarks' Provider Forum | | |
DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie and Division of Health Benefits Chief of Population Health Kristen Dubay joined Benchmarks CEO Karen MacLeod to discuss Federal and State changes affecting North Carolina’s public MH/SUD/IDD system. The Benchmarks’ Forum was held last Friday at the children’s Home Society in Greensboro. The forum focused on issues related to policy, regulations, billing and legislation regarding services for children, adults and families in the fields of mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities.
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Order Free 988 and NC Crisis Services Print Materials
For Your Back-to-School Outreach Through August 4
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing free, printed 988 and Crisis Services educational materials for schools, local governments and community organizations for Back-to-School outreach. Sign up today for these new bilingual posters, post cards, flyers, wallet cards and stickers designed for youth. Order materials by submitting a 988 order form and a Crisis Services order form by August 4 to receive them by mid-August to share with your community!
| | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | |
The Impact of Culturally Relevant Conversations
on Minority Mental Health
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Join NC DMH/DD/SUS and NAMI NC for an enlightening panel discussion about the importance of culturally relevant conversations around mental health in minority communities. This webinar will include discussions of NAMI's Sharing Hope program and DHHS' Black Youth Suicide Strategic Action plan.
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
More Information: Download event flyer
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NC Medicaid Back Porch Chat
Children and Families Specialty Plan
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Hosted by Chameka Jackson, Associate Director of the Children and Families Specialty Plan, this webinar will cover critical information for providers regarding the upcoming launch of the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP). Representatives from Healthy Blue Care Together will share important details to help ensure readiness for the CFSP launch. There will also be an update regarding the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP), presented by Maria Perez, Associate Director of Healthy Opportunities.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
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State of NC Mental Health Town Hall Meeting
DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie Featured Speaker
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Join NCDHHS and NAMI NC for an impactful town hall meeting featuring DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie and other key government and medical officials. Hear about upcoming legislation affecting mental health, mental health priorities in state policy, and future planning for programs including re-entry and school mental health.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
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Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS
Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access to Care
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Join us to learn about policies and programs that affect the MH/IDD/SU/TBI community. Side by side, we will work together to better understand and improve our system. We will listen closely to one another, and we will share ideas for public policy that will improve lives in NC. This month's focus is on preventing substance misuse and overdose.
Date/Time: Monday, August 4, 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.
| | Connections by Addiction Professionals North Carolina Podcast | | Hosted by Sara M. Howe and Morgan Coyner, the Connections by Addiction Professionals of NC (APNC) podcast explores the intersections of policy and addiction. The season three premier features the Charlotte Hornets' first ever draft pick, Rex Chapman, to discuss the deregulation of sports betting and its effect on fans and athletes. Rex discusses his book, “It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me,” his gambling addiction, and how the lack of regulation on sports betting is creating an environment where gambling addiction can thrive. | | | Stay Connected - Get Involved | | | | |
