press-releases

NCDHHS and UNC Host Public Service Leadership Program Kickoff

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the University of North Carolina System are hosting a kickoff event for a new Public Service Leadership Program. This initiative aims to address the shortage of social workers in North Carolina by increasing awareness and equipping students with necessary skills.

NC Health and Human Services Partners with UNC System to Address Social Worker Shortage

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has partnered with the UNC System and the Social Work Coalition on NC Workforce Development to address a reported shortage of social workers in the state. The initiative, launched with a kickoff event on March 2, 2026, aims to strengthen the social work pipeline through programs targeting students from high school to university.

NC DHHS Launches Mobile Crisis Dispatch Program

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced a new $1.5 million pilot program, Mobile Crisis Dispatch (MC Dispatch), to improve mental health crisis response. This initiative aims to streamline dispatch processes and expedite mobile crisis team responses to individuals in need, aligning with the Governor's executive order.

Youth Mental Health Care Partnership for Justice-Involved Youth

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with other state agencies and private organizations, is launching a $3.5 million pilot program to improve mental health care for young people involved in the justice system. The initiative will fund a new mental health program at the Dillon Juvenile Detention Center.

North Carolina Updates Mental Health Bed Registry to Reduce Wait Times

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has updated its statewide mental health bed registry, BH SCAN, to hourly updates and integrated it with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. These changes aim to reduce wait times for individuals seeking mental health crisis care.