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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | November 13, 2025 | | |
A Real Conversation About Therapy, Doctors, and Mental Health
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In this special two-part episode of Navigating Mental Health NC, Kelly Crosbie, Director of DMH/DD/SUS and Dr. Carrie Brown, DHHS Chief Psychiatrist and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, join host Meghan Kolb, TV host and lifestyle influencer, for a candid conversation about how COVID-19 has reshaped the mental health landscape across North Carolina.
Together, they explore the many paths to mental health treatment—from therapy and medication to community-based support—and address common myths that often prevent people from seeking help. The discussion highlights the importance of personalized care and the power of reaching out, especially in times of uncertainty.
| | | The Navigating Mental Health NC podcast is designed to educate, empower, and reduce stigma by sharing real stories, expert insights, and practical tips. Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey or supporting a loved one, this podcast is here to help. | | |
Meet Tarang: A Community-Driven Movement for
Asian American and Pacific Islander Mental Health
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Join DMH/DD/SUS on Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. for a webinar introducing Tarang (pronounced TUH-rung), a groundbreaking pilot initiative created by and for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
Tarang, meaning ripple effect, is a culturally rooted, community-led effort designed to foster open dialogue and support around mental health, substance use, and suicide within AAPI communities. Despite rising rates of suicide and overdose, AAPI individuals remain among the least likely to access behavioral health services—often due to stigma and a lack of culturally responsive care.
By partnering with trusted community leaders and starting with the community’s perspective, we co-create awareness, education, and support initiatives that ripple out into positive change for the Asian American community—and ensure that everyone in North Carolina is able to get the support they need.
Tarang creates safe spaces for healing, connection, and advocacy. By centering community voices and lived experiences, Tarang aims to shift the culture, elevate needs, and ensure AAPI communities are included in broader systems of care. Register today to hear from our first cohort of community leaders, share your story, and learn how you can be part of this transformative movement.
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DMH/DD/SUS Supports Youth Empowerment at
Wilkes Youth Life Development Annual Dinner
| | The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS) was proud to participate in the Wilkes Youth Life Development (WYLD) Annual Dinner on November 6, 2025. Jessica Dicken, Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Assistant Director for Prevention, served as the keynote speaker for the event, themed "Our WYLD Story: Chapter 4 – Foundation for the Future." | | | Jessica’s remarks focused on the critical role of prevention and recovery in youth development, and the importance of community-based programs like WYLD in fostering resilience, leadership, and long-term well-being. Her message underscored DMH/DD/SUS’ commitment to supporting local initiatives that empower young people and strengthen communities across North Carolina. | | The evening featured inspiring youth-led programming from WYLD’s Teen Action Council (TAC), including personal testimonies about the impact of advocacy and mentorship. Attendees also celebrated major milestones such as the 100th bed delivered through the Sweet Dreams of Wilkes initiative, the growth of the "pay as your can" Change Wagon food truck, and the expansion of youth leadership programs like Lead Appalachia. | | | DMH/DD/SUS extends its gratitude to WYLD for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event and applauds the organization’s continued dedication to building a healthier, more connected future for youth in Wilkes County and beyond. | | 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 valuable insight and encouragement to others considering community living.
This third survey joins two existing tools on the Inclusion Connects website:
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!
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Include NC Seeks Input Through Focus Groups About
Disaster Preparedness and Response
| | Include-NC, a partnership between NCDHHS and the Family & Children’s Resource Program at the UNC School of Social Work, is looking for staff from residential agencies who serve children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to participate in virtual focus groups. This includes staff from group homes, AFLs, and therapeutic foster care homes. Share your experiences of supporting children with I/DD through disasters like weather events, fires, community violence, or other extreme events. The focus groups will last approximately 90 minutes, be held on Zoom, and occur throughout December. To participate, register by November 19, 2025. | | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | 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. The public is invited to attend.
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be provided.
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Winter Wellness: Supporting Mental Health for
Older Adults and Caregivers
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Join DMH/DD/SUS for a webinar that will shine a light on the unique mental health challenges older adults and their caregivers face during the winter months and holiday season. We’ll discuss the emotional hurdles this community experiences and discover ways we can come together—both as individuals and as a community—to offer compassionate support. Our goal is to inspire hope and empower participants to help older adults and caregivers live connected, meaningful, and fulfilling lives even during the toughest times of the year.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
Download Event Flyers: English and Spanish
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be provided.
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State to Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committee
Meeting Date Change
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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. Please note that this month's meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month instead of the fourth.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
| | Stay Connected - Get Involved | | | | |
