Message from the DMH/DD/SUS Director: Statewide Winter Storm Advisory

Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMH/DD/SUS

Message from the DMH/DD/SUS Director

Statewide Winter Storm Advisory

DMH/DD/SUS Update for Everyone in NC

Dear Community Partner,

DMH/DD/SUS is committed to ensuring care, connection, and continuity of support across North Carolina during the upcoming potential severe weather.

Please share this alert widely with your support networks, providers, community organizations, and social channels. Our message to every North Carolinian is simple and sincere: we see you, we are here, and your safety and well-being matter.

If you have questions or need assistance preparing, please contact your LME/MCO, county services, or reach out to the Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS-NC or 988, available anytime.

Stay safe, stay warm, and know that we are with you every step of the way.

My best,

Kelly

Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

(she/her)

Director

Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

What to Know & Watch For

Winter storms may bring snow, ice, freezing rain, power outages, and road closures.
These conditions can especially affect individuals with MH, SUD, and IDD—heightening risk for isolation, interruptions in care, and health complications.

Mental Health – What to Watch

Storms can trigger increased stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, or worsening of symptoms.
Sudden changes (power outages, limited mobility) may disrupt routines and therapy access.

Substance Use – What to Watch

SUD recovery can be vulnerable during emergencies: disrupted routines and limited access to support groups or treatment may increase relapse risk.
Make sure to have an adequate supply of medications and reach out to provider or crisis services if needed.

IDD-Specific Needs

Individuals with IDD may face communication challenges understanding alerts or directions.
Sensory issues, mobility limitations, and dependence on caregivers can increase risk in harsh weather.

How DMH/DD/SUS is Supporting You

We’re sharing multilingual resources and guidelines statewide (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic) for MH, IDD, and SUD coping strategies.
A 24/7 statewide Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC) provides non-clinical support from individuals with lived experience.
You can call 988 anytime for mental health or SUD crisis support—including referrals to mobile crisis teams.
Providers are coordinating with emergency services to ensure people with MH/SUD/IDD needs are part of response plans.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe & Supported Before the Storm

Build an emergency kit with:
Medications for at least 7 days, snacks, water, blankets, flashlights, phone chargers.
For IDD: include communication aids, sensory items, and clear, accessible instructions.
Share your emergency care plan with your support network (family, caregiver, case manager).
Enroll in ReadyNC.gov alerts and check weather updates regularly.

During the Storm

Stay indoors and dress warmly—even inside.
Keep routines as intact as possible—medication schedules, virtual check-ins, relaxing activities.
If power is out or you’re feeling unsafe, call 988 or 911 in emergencies.

After the Storm

Check in often with loved ones and providers—social connection aids recovery.
Resume care plans, appointments, therapy sessions when possible.
Monitor weather-related stress or health symptoms—there’s no shame in reaching out for help.

Resources