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Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
Director, DMH/DD/SUS
| | Hot Topics | January 22, 2026 | | |
AYA House Opens in Kannapolis to
Support Recovery and Reentry
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On January 16, DMH/DD/SUS joined partners in Kannapolis for the ribbon-cutting of AYA House. Director Kelly Crosbie, Chief Clinical Officer Saarah Waleed, and Program Consultant LaKeisha Baker attended, emphasizing the importance of recovery-oriented housing for individuals transitioning from incarceration, substance use treatment, and chronic homelessness.
AYA House Executive Director Dennis Brown spoke at the event, and other attendees included representatives from the Kannapolis City Council, Vaya Board of Directors, and Rowan Cabarrus Community College. After the ceremony, Mr. Brown led a tour of the warm and welcoming home.
AYA House offers a safe, affordable environment for adults committed to sobriety after completing residential treatment.
| | | This initiative was supported by a $1.5 million grant awarded by DMH/DD/SUS under the Expanding Supports for Justice-Involved Adults – Community-Based Initiatives program to Vaya Health, in partnership with AYA House. | | |
Collaboration and Innovation Take Center Stage at
i2i Winter Conference
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The i2i Center for Integrative Health convened healthcare leaders January 13-15 in Winston-Salem to address critical issues impacting mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), substance use services, and primary care in North Carolina. This year’s theme, “Starting Strong Together,” set the tone for collaborative discussions on policy and system improvements.
The 2026 Winter Conference showcased strong representation from DMH/DD/SUS, with leaders engaging in sessions focused on identifying priorities amid shifting Medicaid landscapes, building a scalable behavioral health workforce through community college innovation, and leveraging I/DD and TBI data for actionable insights. Experts also highlighted innovations in opioid treatment programs to enhance patient care.
| | | DMH/DD/SUS was represented by expert speakers, including Director Kelly Crosbie, Ginger Yarborough (Chief Clinical Officer), Tina Barrett (Assistant Director; IDD), Scott Pokorny (TBI Team Lead), Anna Stanley (State Opioid Treatment Authority), and Elizabeth Zook (Workforce Analyst). These leaders shared insights on advancing integrated care, strengthening supports for individuals and families, and driving system transformation through collaboration and innovation. The conference continues to serve as a vital platform for shaping strategies that promote equitable, person-centered care across the state. | | |
Inclusion Connects Releases Quarterly Report
Expanding Access to Services and Supports for People with I/DD
| | Inclusion Connects has published its fifth quarterly report, reaffirming its commitment to improving access to services and supports for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina. | | | The report highlights progress in streamlining resource navigation, strengthening community partnerships, and introducing innovative programs that promote independence and inclusion. These efforts reflect our dedication to removing barriers and creating opportunities for people with I/DD. | | Learn More About What's Happening in Your Community | | | 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. All meetings are open to the public.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
| | Inclusion Connects Advisory Committee Meeting | | |
The Inclusion Connects Advisory Committee provides valuable feedback and guidance on how Inclusion Connects supports individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The committee’s role includes reviewing opportunities to enhance existing services and exploring ideas for new programs that better serve this community. Members will also receive updates from the Inclusion Connects team on current initiatives, upcoming activities, and key performance metrics related to Housing, Services, and the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Workforce.
Date/Time: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
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Mental Health 101
A Webinar for North Carolina’s AAPI Community
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Join Tarang for an informational webinar on Asian American and Pacific Islander mental health. The session will cover general information about mental health and common conditions, how to identify and engage with someone who may be struggling, and resources available to North Carolina’s AAPI community.
This webinar is tailored to the AAPI community in North Carolina but is open to anyone interested in learning more. If you already know this information, consider sharing the event with family, friends, and community groups—especially those who may not be familiar with mental health topics. Together, we can help break stigma and spread awareness.
Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the meeting
More Information: Download event flyer
| | Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS | | |
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, Feb. 9, 2026, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
Closed-Captioning & American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
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