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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | October 7, 2025 | | Team DMHDDSUS Supports Fort Bragg Suicide Prevention Run | | |
On Friday, September 26, Team DMHDDSUS proudly participated in the Fort Bragg Annual Suicide Prevention Run/Walk by hosting a resource table and engaging with over 2,000 service members and their families. The event, themed “Unite Together in an Unbreakable Bond as a Community,” aimed to raise awareness, break stigma, and promote mental health supports.
Kayreen Gucciardo, Veterans Services Coordinator for the Division, was joined bright and early by Pamela Rodriguez and Savannah Simpson to share vital resources, including the Peer Warmline, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and Veteran-specific support services — along with some fun swag like magnets and stress balls This annual event continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, community, and hope. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a success!
| | | Veterans can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and press 1 to speak to a caring VA responder. Anyone who is depressed, going through a hard time, needs to talk, or is thinking about hurting themselves can get help. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | | |
The Adolescent Gambling and Gaming Series is a new online course designed to help behavioral health professionals and youth-serving organizations respond to the growing risks of adolescent gambling, gaming, and digital media use.
Developed by UNC Behavioral Health Springboard (UNC-BHS) in collaboration with Alison Wood of the NC Problem Gambling Program and subject matter experts, the course offers a practical, evidence-based approach to prevention, screening, and treatment.
Research shows:
- 15-20% of youth gamble regularly
- 2-8% show signs of problematic gambling
- Online gambling and sports betting are rapidly expanding
- Gamified and gamblified platforms reinforce risky behaviors through dopamine-triggering mechanics
These trends are linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, family instability, and suicide ideation among youth. This is the first course to connect gambling, gaming, and digital media use as overlapping high-risk behaviors. It’s interactive, engaging, and accessible to professionals in schools, juvenile justice, and community organizations.
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NC Medicaid is inviting providers and health plans to participate in upcoming Virtual Office Hours to discuss proposed revisions to several substance use clinical coverage policies. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to enhance access, streamline care, and align with federal parity requirements.
The policies under review include:
- Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SAIOP)
- Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment Program (SACOT)
- Clinically Managed Residential Withdrawal Management Services
- Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential Treatment Services
- Clinically Managed Population-Specific High-Intensity Residential Services
- Clinically Managed Residential Services
- Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services
Providers and health plans are encouraged to submit questions in advance to be addressed during the sessions. Please send your questions to eboni.burton@dhhs.nc.gov. These Virtual Office Hours offer a valuable opportunity to engage in dialogue, clarify policy changes, and ensure readiness for implementation.
| | The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comment on the proposed Social Services Block Grant Plan, which outlines how $76 million in federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds will be spent in North Carolina for the 2025-2026 state fiscal year. The SSBG is the major source of federal funding for several programs, including adoption, counseling, adult day care, foster care, protective services for adults, housing, and residential treatment. The written plan is available for review online at the NCDHHS website. | | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | 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. This month's meeting is virtual-only.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, 9:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration Link: Register for the webinar
More Information: Download meeting agenda
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North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
Growing Well Conference: "Moving Mountains and Community"
| | The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is excited to partner with the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness at Appalachian State for a conference focused on raising children and youth with developmental disabilities and other disabilities throughout their lifetime. Scholarships for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and family members are available for registration (and a limited number for travel). | | | |
This year’s theme, “Moving Mountains and Community,” highlights the resilience, innovation, and collaboration needed to improve outcomes for families navigating complex health and social systems. The conference features a dynamic mix of individual and group presentations, expert panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions will be led by healthcare providers, researchers, government leaders, educators, and individuals with lived experience—offering a wide range of perspectives.
Date/Time: Oct. 12-14, 2025
Location: Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences, 1179 State Farm Road, Boone, NC
Registration: Register for the conference
Scholarships: Apply for a scholarship
More information: Download conference flyer
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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.
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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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