Hot Topics

Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMH/DD/SUS

Hot Topics | December 16, 2025

DMH/DD/SUS Director Highlights Stigma Reduction Efforts

During the December 4 meeting of the Opioid and Prescription Drug Abuse Advisory Committee meeting, DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie highlighted the progress of Unshame NC, a statewide initiative dedicated to reducing stigma surrounding substance use.

The campaign leverages storytelling, education, and partnerships with influencers to foster greater understanding of substance use disorder and encourage support for treatment. First Lady Anna Stein thanked the committee, emphasizing the importance of addressing stigma as a barrier to care and applauding efforts to promote understanding and compassion.

Advanced Training Courses for Direct Support Professionals

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the NC Community College System, is excited to continue the free Advanced Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training program for current and aspiring DSPs. Registration for Spring 2026 courses is open now with courses beginning in January 2026.

Program Highlights:

Two eight-week virtual courses for flexible participation
Offered through Stanly, Asheville-Buncombe, and Forsyth Technical Community Colleges
Designed to enhance skills and open career opportunities in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Registration Information:

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College: A-B Tech Direct Support Professional Training
Stanly Community College: Stanly Direct Support Professional Training
Forsyth Technical Community College:
Call 336-734-7023 and ask to register for Direct Support Professional training courses
Visit the Forsyth Tech Direct Support Professional Training webpage to learn more.

Space is limited. Contact the continuing education office at your preferred campus for registration details. Visit the Inclusion Connects website to learn more about ongoing work to strengthen the Direct Support Professional workforce.

i2i Center for Integrative Health Winter Conference

Lived Experience Scholarships Available

Scholarships are now available for individuals with lived experience to attend the upcoming i2i Winter Conference, taking place January 13-15. These scholarships cover the cost of registration but do not include travel or hotel accommodations. Availability is limited, so early application is encouraged. Don't miss this opportunity to participate and share your voice!

To request a scholarship, please email jean@i2icenter.org by December 17 with the following information:

A bulleted list of your system involvement
The conference days you plan to attend
The name/information you’d like printed on your badge

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 tools on the Inclusion Connects website:

One for people with I/DD who have moved from institutional to community settings
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 today!

Community Resources

Dashboards/Reporting :

Community Engagement

Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community

Community Events

State to Local 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, Dec. 17, 2025, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Registration: Register for the meeting

Meeting Agenda: Download agenda

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, 2025, 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.

Stay Connected - Get Involved

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