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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMHDDSUS
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Hot Topics | March 4, 2025 | |
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Governor Josh Stein proclaimed March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” North Carolina is home to more than 200,000 people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. All North Carolinians can contribute to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities by becoming advocates and supporters of increased independence, capacity, and leadership.
The proclamation fulfills the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Executive Order No. 92, Employment First for North Carolinians with Disabilities, and reaffirms the states commitment to full community participation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by expanding opportunities and equal access to fair wages, fully integrated competitive employment, education, housing, health care, and civic engagement.
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North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai traveled to western North Carolina this week to meet with health care and social services partners to learn more about the status of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and discuss the impacts of staffing shortages and other challenges they face. Together, we are committed to recovery efforts and supporting staff as we continue to create a healthier North Carolina for all. | |
New FACT Teams Piloted Across North Carolina | |
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DMHDDSUS is piloting five new Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams across North Carolina in Buncombe, Wake/Durham, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, and Pitt Counties. These teams will enhance North Carolina’s existing network of services for individuals with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders, and who are involved in serious crime and/or high levels of recidivism.
They will offer 24/7 support alongside other community services and treatment options. FACT teams aim to improve mental health outcomes, enhance daily functioning and quality of life, reduce recidivism, increase public safety, and divert individuals away from the criminal justice system.
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New Peer Respite Centers Investment | |
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NCDHHS is investing in programs that support mental well-being and recovery for North Carolinians and their families. These services provide community-based alternatives to emergency departments for crisis and recovery services.
The local partners below will be funded through the Mental Health Block Grant to develop community-based initiatives to expand peer support services:
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Hope Mission: Creating peer-led recovery hubs addressing social determinants of health. (Eastern NC)
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Love and Respect: Expanding peer respite facilities to offer safe alternatives to emergency rooms. (Western NC)
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Promise Resource Network: Establishing peer-run respite centers and trauma-informed crisis support. (Central NC)
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This week, the success of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy Opportunities Pilots was featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In just under three years, the first-of-its kind innovative program has been described as a "life changer" for thousands of North Carolina families. Healthy Opportunities proves the best way to lower health care costs and create healthier communities is to reduce the need for medical care in the first place.
The program addresses people’s social needs with services like food, housing, transportation and assistance related to interpersonal violence and toxic stress. It is part of a broader set of initiatives — including Medicaid Expansion, medical debt relief, behavioral health investments, SNAP, and WIC maximization, and integrating physical and behavioral health – that are focused on improving the health and economic well-being of North Carolinians.
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Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | |
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NC TIDE 2025 Early Bird Registration Now Open | |
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Register by March 7, 2025 to take advantage of early bird savings for the North Carolina Training, Instruction, Development and Education (NC TIDE) annual spring conference being held March 30-April 2, 2025 in Wilmington, NC.
NC TIDE provides current and pertinent training to the behavioral health community in partnership with NCDHHS, DMH/DD/SUS, NC Medicaid, LME/MCOs, standard plans, health care providers, and consumer & family advisory council members.
Registration: Register for the conference
Conference Agenda: View agenda
More Information: Visit conference website
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Present at i2i Center's
2025 Spring Conference
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Submit a proposal to present at the i2i Spring 2025 Conference June 10-11, 2025 in Raleigh. Topics include: State/Federal policy and legal topics, whole person care, collaborations, community linkages, employment, using peer supports, technical advancements, operations, advocacy and more. Over 400 MH/IDD/SUS and Healthcare Leaders are expected to attend.
Proposal Deadline: Friday, March 7, 2025
Submission: Submit a proposal
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Grupo De Apoyo: Poder Y Esperanza Upcoming Events | |
Join these upcoming webinars, hosted by Grupo De Poyo, bringing families together to offer support and learn from community members who share common challenges. | |
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Workshop: Promoting Independence in Children
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the workshop
Webinar: Work Together NC-Transitions To College or Work
Date/Time: Friday, March 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
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Inclusion Works Lunch and Learn
National Developmental Disabilites Awareness Month
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Inclusion and awareness of people with I/DD is important; about 15% of the world’s population has a disability. Join Inclusion Works and Work Together NC to celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, observed throughout March.
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
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Stay Connected - Get Involved | | | | |
