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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | February 12, 2026 | | Lunar New Year: A Time of Renewal and Hope | | |
As we welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, progress, and vitality, DMH/DD/SUS celebrates the Lunar New Year, a time of renewal and hope observed across many Asian cultures.
Through partnerships like UCA WAVES and initiatives such as Tarang, we advance culturally responsive mental health and substance use programs. These efforts help address critical gaps in care for Asian American communities, where 16.8% of adults experience mental health challenges, yet only 12.3% receive treatment.
Our recent participation in the CAFA Lunar New Year Gala highlighted resources that support mental health and well-being,
like Tarang, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the NC Peer WarmLine.
As we embrace the spirit of resilience and forward motion, let’s continue working together to ensure every community has access to compassionate care. Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and prosperous New Year!
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Youth LEAD NC Presents
The North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum (NCYLF)
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Youth Lead NC is hosting the North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum. NCYLF is a transformative, week-long leadership experience for youth and young adults with disabilities ages 15-30. This fully accessible, no-cost program focuses on self-advocacy, independent living, and leadership development through interactive workshops, peer connections, and skill-building activities.
NCYLF will take place at North Carolina State University, with staff dates scheduled for July 18-23, 2026, and delegate dates July 19-23, 2026. Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is March 20, 2026. Each year, 15-20 delegates are selected to participate in this unique opportunity designed to support young people navigating key transitions such as school to work, independence, and self-advocacy.
For application support, contact Parker Glick at parker@youthleadnc.org or (919) 278-7176 (texting welcome). Application assistance must be scheduled by March 6, 2026. Applications are due by March 20, 2026.
| | Apply to Serve on the Brain Injury Advisory Council | | |
The Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) is seeking applicants to help improve services for individuals with brain injuries across North Carolina. Applications will be accepted until the position are filled.
Under General Statute 143B-216.66, BIAC advises state leaders on planning, funding, and service delivery. Meetings take place bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November), with in-person and virtual options available.
Current Vacancies:
- Speaker of the House
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Physician (trauma, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, PM&R, or emergency medicine) – Submit an Application
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At-large member (school nurse or rehabilitation experience preferred) – Submit an Application
| | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | |
Unshame NC Learning Together Webinar Series
Building Understanding Around Substance Use
| | Join Unshame NC for the first installment of a three-part Learning Together series, where we’ll use a compassionate lens to explore why people use substances, the risk factors that can contribute to a progression to a substance use disorder, and how substance use affects the brain. | | | |
Guest speaker Dr. Shuchin Shukla will break down the science into approachable, foundational building blocks. This session is designed for anyone who wants to better understand substance use and the people behind the experiences.
Date/Time: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration Link: Register for the webinar
More Information: Download event flyer
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Inclusion Works Lunch & Learn
An Overview of Project Spark
| | Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided. | | |
What To Do In A Mental Health Crisis
Strengthening Faith-Based Responses
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Join the North Carolina Council of Churches for a webinar designed for faith leaders and community members to build skills and confidence in responding compassionately and effectively when someone is in crisis. Faith communities are uniquely positioned as trusted, accessible spaces where care, understanding, and connection can begin. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of crisis, offer supportive presence, and connect individuals to appropriate resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Date/Time: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
| | State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee Meeting | | |
DMH/DD/SUS invites you to attend the State to Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) meeting focused on elevating the voices of individuals and families who receive mental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disability, and traumatic brain injury services. This meeting is an opportunity to strengthen communication between Local CFACs and the State CFAC, share updates, and identify priorities that shape services and supports in our communities.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
| | Olmstead and North Carolina's Olmstead Plan | | |
Join DMH/DD/SUS for an informative webinar that explores the landmark Olmstead decision and its impact on disability rights. During this session, we will provide a brief overview of the Olmstead ruling and explain why it is significant. We will also discuss the current actions and initiatives in North Carolina related to Olmstead compliance and share details about North Carolina’s Olmstead Plan. This webinar is designed to help stakeholders, advocates, and service providers understand how North Carolina is advancing community integration and supporting individuals with disabilities.
Date/Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
| | Stay Connected - Get Involved | | | | |
