Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMH/DD/SUS

Hot Topics | December 18, 2025

NCDHHS Launches Student Loan Repayment Program to Strengthen Mental Health, Substance Use, I/DD and TBI Workforce

Earlier this month NCDHHS announced the launch of the Licensed Workforce Loan Repayment Program, a $20 million initiative to recruit and retain licensed professionals who provide mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) services in rural and underserved communities.

The loan repayment program is designed for licensed, masters-level professionals—including counselors, social workers, psychologists and therapists—who are essential to delivering services but often face financial barriers to working in high-need areas.


Highlights of the program include an up to $50,000 loan repayment and a three-year service commitment in a rural or underserved county. Non-medical, licensed professionals, such as clinical social workers, clinical mental health counselors, clinical addictions specialists, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists, should apply. 


Applications opened on Dec. 1, 2025. Applicants must hold a valid North Carolina license in good standing, work at least 32 hours per week, provide services in mental health, substance use, IDD, or TBI, be employed at an approved agency serving at least 40% Medicaid, uninsured, or underinsured individuals, and serve in a designated rural or underserved area. 


NCDHHS has launched several initiatives to heighten awareness of human services careers and to support those already working in the field. Information on these workforce initiatives can be found on the NCDHHS website.  

Join a Brain Injury Advisory Council Subcommittee

The Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) is seeking committed individuals to serve on one or more of our subcommittees. This is an opportunity to help shape policy, guide service delivery, and elevate the voices of individuals with brain injuries across the state. We welcome people with lived experience, providers, and community members to participate. You don't have to be a BIAC member to serve on a subcommittee. If you are interested in becoming a member of a BIAC subcommittee, please complete a brief interest form.

Inclusion Connects Success Story Survey Tools

Inclusion Connects has launched a new survey tool designed to celebrate the experiences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are living successfully in community settings, even if they did not move from an institutional setting. These stories offer insight and encouragement to others considering community living.


This third survey joins two existing surveys on the Inclusion Connects website. There is one for people with I/DD who have moved from institutional to community settings and one for providers who support individuals in transitioning to or thriving in community living. If you are someone currently living in a community setting or a provider supporting this work, please visit the Inclusion Connects Community Living webpage to learn more and share your success story.

Community Resources

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Community Engagement

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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.

Brain Injury Advisory Council Meeting

The purpose of the Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) is to review the nature and cause of traumatic and other acquired brain injuries in North Carolina. The Council also makes recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the planning, development, funding, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide service delivery system to address the needs of brain injury survivors. There are virtual and in-person attendance options. All BIAC meetings are open to the public. 


Date/Time: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, 9:00-1:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the meeting

Public Comment: Sign-up for public comment

Inclusion Works Community Advisory Committee Meeting

Join Inclusion Works for an update on the progress of Inclusion Works' programs and initiatives. The first meeting of the new year will feature updates on the Inclusion Works Strategic Plan, employment assessments, and provider innovation grants. Presenters will also share information on upcoming provider training opportunities and provide a data overview. 


Date/Time: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, 11:00-12:00 p.m.

Registration: Register for the meeting


Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language 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, Jan. 21, 2026, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Registration Link: Register for the meeting

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