Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMH/DD/SUS

Hot Topics | January 8, 2026

Student Loan Repayment Program Launched to Strengthen Mental Health, Substance Use, IDD and TBI Workforce

The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services is prioritizing workforce growth through the Licensed Workforce Loan Repayment Program, a $20 million initiative launched last month. This program aims to recruit and retain licensed professionals who provide mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury services in rural and underserved communities. It is a key part of DMH/DD/SUS' strategy to build a strong, community-based workforce that can meet the growing demand for care and support across North Carolina.

Eligible masters-level professionals, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, and therapists, can receive up to $50,000 in loan repayment for a three-year service commitment. Applicants must hold a valid NC license, work at least 32 hours per week in an approved agency serving high-need populations, and provide services in designated rural or underserved areas. Applications opened Dec. 1, 2025. Learn more and apply on the Licensed Workforce Loan Repayment Program webpage.

Community Resources

Dashboards/Reporting:

• Strategic Plan Dashboard
• 988 Performance Dashboard
• Innovations Waitlist Dashboard

Community Engagement

Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community

Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS

Year-in-Review: DMH/DD/SUS Strategic Plan

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 North Carolina. This month's webinar will focus on the DMH/DD/SUS Strategic Plan. Learn about progress to date and how we’re continuing to work to build systems, services, and supports that improve the well-being of all North Carolinians, with a focus on MH, SU, I/DD, and TBI.

Date/Time: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the webinar

English Flyer: Download flyer

Spanish Flyer: Download flyer

Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.

Ignite Your Future: A Project Spark Event

Join us for an empowering day of employment resources and networking. This event is designed to be an opportunity for the I/DD community and their families to connect with the many resources available - all in one place! Connect with employers, access free benefits counseling, and learn about Project Spark.

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 9:00-1:00 p.m.

Location: Nash Community College, 522 North Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC

Registration: RSVP for the event

More Information: Download the event flyer

Rural Health Transformation Program Town Hall

The North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP), funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), will expand access to care, support rural providers, and invest in technology and workforce in North Carolina. Join us for a Town Hall with NCDHHS leaders. We’ll share details of the program, explain what this federal investment means for rural communities, outline next steps for implementation, and answer your questions. This is your chance to provide input and help shape the future of rural health in North Carolina.

Date/Time: Friday, January 16, 2026, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Registration: Register for the town hall

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