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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | May is Mental Health Awareness Month | | |
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this week we are focusing
on the mental health needs of children and older adults.
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Today is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This day and every day, it is important to remember the mental health needs of our children and youth. In North Carolina, more than 1 in 3 high school students report feeling sad or hopeless, with almost 1 in 3 middle school students reporting those same feelings.
One of the top priorities in the DMH/DD/SUS strategic plan is to make it easier for people to access and stay in services, including North Carolina's children and youth. These resources offer support for youth, their caregivers and professionals:
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SOMETHINGS is an app that matches youth with certified peer specialist mentors who provide support through text and video-calls.
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Hazel Health is a telehealth provider that partners with schools and families to provide high-quality virtual physical and mental health care at school. Services are also available to families outside of the school day and during the summer.
| | Supporting Mental Health for Older Adults | | |
The mental health conditions of older adults are often underrecognized and undertreated. Approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental health issue. Globally, more than a quarter of deaths from suicide (27%) are among people in that age group.
To help bridge this gap in care, DMH/DD/SUS is working to increase awareness of, and access to mental health support for older adults. The following initiatives offer support for older adults and their families:
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NAMI Family-to-Family is an educational program for families, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions.
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Healthy Aging is a program by the Kellin Foundation aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers serving Guildford and surrounding counties.
| | The Brain Injury Association of NC requests your input to identify gaps and needs in brain injury services across North Carolina. Your feedback will help BIANC identify unmet needs, improve programs, and advocate for stronger support across the state. Submit your anonymous survey through Friday, May 9, 2025. | | | DMH/DD/SUS is developing a strategic plan dedicated to preventing suicide among Black youth. This is the first strategic plan of its kind in the history of DMH/DD/SUS and we invite your input to make this the strongest plan possible. For that reason, we are seeking public comment on a draft of the plan. After reading the plan, please share your thoughts by filling out the feedback form by Friday, June 6, 2025. | | |
NCDHHS Fireside Chat & Tele-town Hall
NC Crisis Services: Support for all Ages
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Join NCDHHS for a live fireside chat & tele-town hall. We will discuss:
- What crisis services are and how to access them
- When to get support if you’re struggling, or a caregiver of someone who needs help
- Where to find mental health resources for youth and adults in North Carolina
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The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. You can also dial into the event by calling (855) 756-7520, Ext. 120795#.
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2023, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Join Links: Facebook and YouTube
Join by Phone: (855) 756-7520 Ext. 120795#.
| | State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee Meeting | | |
The State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (SCFAC) advises NCDHHS and the General Assembly on the planning and management of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. The meeting is open to the public.
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 9:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
Meeting Agenda: View the agenda
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Triangle Business Journal
Empowered Women's Forum
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Join DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie at this in-person event dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the business community. This half-day summit will bring together dynamic female leaders and industry experts for a series of thought-provoking sessions and invaluable networking opportunities.
Date/Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 11:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC
Registration: Register for the forum
| | NAMI Walks North Carolina | | |
This annual event brings together mental health advocates, peers, professionals, and family members to bring awareness, pledge to eradicate stigma in communities, and raise funds to support NAMI programs and services.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Perimeter Park, 3015 Carrington Mill Blvd, Morrisville, NC
Registration: Register for the walk
More Information: Visit the event website
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DMH/DD/SUS Hosting Spring i2i Pre-Conference Session
Advancing the Olmstead Plan: One Goal, Many Partners
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Join NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services for a pre-conference session explaining the Olmstead Plan and groundbreaking DMH/DD/SUS initiatives. Learn how people transition into community, support choices for work and play, and connect to community-based services. Panel discussions include NCDHHS leaders, people with lived experience, and service providers.
Pre-Conference Date/Time: Monday, June 9, 2025, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Conference Date: June 10-11, 2025
Location: Hilton Raleigh North Hills, 3415 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC
Registration: Register for the conference
More Information: Visit the conference website
| | Stay Connected - Get Involved | | | | |
