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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | October 2, 2025 | | |
Director Crosbie Champions Anti-Stigma and
Access to Care at Substance Use Symposium
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DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie delivered the keynote address on the opioid and substance use crisis in North Carolina’s rural coastal communities at the 2025 Annual Symposium, held on September 19 in Morehead City.
Crosbie emphasized the urgent need to reduce stigma by elevating lived experiences and fostering empathy, referencing the Unshame NC campaign. She also underscored the importance of offering individuals access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), a proven, evidence-based treatment that saves lives and supports recovery.
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Key statistics shared included:
- 1 in 6 North Carolinians have a substance use disorder
- 1 in 4 face mental health challenges
- 1 in 16 children are affected by substance use
Crosbie outlined strategies in the Division’s five-year strategic plan to expand access to care, including mobile clinics, integrated primary care, support for justice-involved individuals, and youth prevention efforts. The event was hosted by Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina and Eastern AHEC (Area Health Education Center).
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Collaborative Family Healthcare Association
Integrated Care Conference Comes to Raleigh
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The Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) will host its Integrated Care Conference in Raleigh, NC, October 16-18, 2025. With over 100 sessions and 900+ attendees, the event brings together healthcare professionals to explore innovative ways to expand access to whole-person care.
DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie will open the conference, highlighting North Carolina’s commitment to integrated care through:
These models reflect the state’s strategic goal to build resilient, responsive care systems.
Register to attend the conference. Let’s keep the momentum going for integrated care in NC!
| | SeptemberFest Supports Veterans and Suicide Prevention | | The first annual American Legion SeptemberFest took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Post 7 in Durham. Hosted by the Midtown Housing Coalition (MHC), the event raised awareness for a planned tiny home community for disabled veterans and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. DMH/DD/SUS Veteran Services Coordinator Kayreen Gucciardo staffed an outreach table to promote suicide prevention resources for veterans and others in need. | | | MHC’s project will include up to 20 tiny homes, with a portion specifically reserved for disabled veterans. The homes will be offered as both subsidized rentals and for sale, creating long-term, affordable housing options. This initiative joins a growing movement across North Carolina to use tiny homes to support veterans and vulnerable populations. | | | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | Mental Health Block Grant Advisory Committee | | |
Join us for an important meeting of the NC Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council as we discuss priorities, funding strategies, and ways to strengthen mental health services across our state. This is a great opportunity to hear updates, share your voice, and help shape the future of mental health care in North Carolina. All are welcome: consumers, families, providers, and community advocates. Your input matters. Together, we can make a difference.
Date/Time: Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, 10:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration Link: Register for the meeting
More Information: Download the meeting agenda
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Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS
Celebrating Substance Use Prevention Month in North Carolina
| | Join us for a special Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS. This month's focus is Substance Use Prevention Month. We will discuss how prevention is making a difference across North Carolina. Hear real stories from providers, youth, and community partners on the frontlines of prevention, and learn how statewide programs are helping families stay healthy and safe. | | | |
We’ll also spotlight key findings from the FY2025 Prevention Evaluation Report and share simple steps we can all take to support prevention in our homes, schools, and communities. Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities where prevention works and every North Carolinian can thrive.
Date/Time: Monday, Oct. 6, 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.
| | State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee | | |
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 (DMH/DD/SUS).
The monthly meeting brings together individuals with lived experience of mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use, and traumatic brain injury (MH/DD/SU/TBI), as well as family members and advocates, to provide input and guidance in shaping policy and identifying service gaps. Meetings include updates from state agencies, discussions on current issues impacting MH/DD/SU/TBI services, and opportunities for public comment. All SCFAC meetings are open to the public.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, 9:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration Link: Register for the webinar
More Information: Download the meeting agenda
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DMH/DD/SUS Fireside Chat with Kelly Crosbie
How Inclusion Connects is Making a Difference
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Join NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services for a special conversation about the great work Inclusion Connects has been doing! We’ll talk about the progress we’ve made and what’s coming next.
We will share stories, updates, and exciting news. This is a great chance to learn more and be part of the conversation. To submit your questions, please fill out a survey form.
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the Fireside Chat
More Information: Download the Event Flyer
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be provided.
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Inclusion Works Lunch & Learn
Empower to Work – Abound Healthcare
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Join Inclusion Works to learn about best practices to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury on their path to achieving Competitive Integrated Employment. This month's Lunch & Learn will feature an overview of the Empower to Work Program by Abound Healthcare, which supports enhanced clinical services across North Carolina.
The presentation will feature client and parent testimonials, as well as review the Empower To Work Inclusive Hiring Resource Database. Partnering with NCDHHS and Work Together NC, Empower to Work offers employment solutions and individualized workplace opportunities.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the Lunch & Learn
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