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Gov. Cooper was joined by NCDHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley, Dr. Karen L. Smith MD, FAAFP, a family physician in Raeford and Verlina Lomick, CHW-IV, Director of Community Outreach & Advocacy for Kintegra Health and health care advocates to celebrate reaching this major milestone.
More than half a million North Carolinians have enrolled in Medicaid since the state expanded access to this essential health coverage six months ago. These more than 500,000 individuals who may have previously been ineligible for Medicaid benefits can now receive the health care they need at low cost, with no monthly fees and $4 max co-pays.
Since Dec. 1, 2023, new Medicaid enrollees have filled more than 1.9 million new prescriptions for conditions like heart health, diabetes, seizures and other illnesses. Medicaid has also covered more than $28.6 million in claims for dental services since expansion began.
NCDHHS will soon launch a new dashboard to show monthly trends since Medicaid expansion launched on Dec. 1, 2023, including the number of people accessing doctor and dental visits, cancer screenings, behavioral health services and prescriptions.
NCDHHS' Medicaid expansion website provides eligibility information, how to apply and where to find support. Individuals can also connect with state and local support teams to better understand their health care coverage options, complete Medicaid applications and navigate the enrollment process, as well as for help with language translation services. |
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As part of the national “Summer of Giving,” NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley donated blood on July 10 at The Blood Connection in Raleigh. The Blood Connection, in partnership with GLAAD, has joined the national “Summer of Giving” blood drive campaign to encourage all eligible individuals to donate.
In May 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded its eligibility recommendations to accept donations using gender-inclusive, individual risk-based questions. This opened donations up to many in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Blood Connection provides for more than 50 North Carolina hospitals and requires about 1,000 units per day, but typically sees a decline during the summer months. Given the constant need for donations, Secretary Kinsley recommends that all North Carolinians who are able, including those recently eligible to donate, become regular blood donors. You can schedule an appointment on The Blood Connection’s website.
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Practice Water Safety This Summer
As temperatures remain high, NCDHHS encourages residents to enjoy recreational waters safely and be aware of possible health risks, including harmful algal blooms. Remember these important guidelines to help you enjoy a safe summer: 1) Recognize harmful algal blooms; 2) Avoid suspicious water conditions; 3) Be aware of water quality advisories; 4) Avoid ingesting water; 5) Rinse off after water activities; 6) Stay out of the water when you have an open wound; and 7) Monitor yourself and your pets for symptoms. To read more see a news release and go to the CDC and NCDHHS websites. |
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Side-By-Side Webinar
NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services will host the next Side-by-Side webinar on Aug. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. This month staff will focus on the behavioral health workforce. Each month, the Side-by-Side webinars cover policies and programs that affect the MH/IDD/SU/TBI community and bring everyone together in one (virtual) place. This group includes consumers, families, advisory groups, LME/MCOs, community members and partner organizations. 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 NC. Register for the webinar via Zoom and view the English and Spanish flyers to learn more. |
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Transgenerational Trauma Webinar
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services is hosting a webinar to increase awareness and address how transgenerational trauma affects minority communities. This observance provides an opportunity for NCDHHS to highlight the unique mental health challenges and needs of historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups in North Carolina and the United States. The Zoom event will take place on July 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register for the Zoom and view the event's flyer to learn more. |
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Sustainable Diversion and Reentry Programs Webinar
NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services is hosting a webinar on Aug. 1 from 9 to 10 a.m. to share information about an upcoming funding opportunity to support capacity building for diversion and re-entry programs, to promote access to treatment and prevent incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or traumatic brain injury. This webinar will explore the rationale and vision for improving the lives of North Carolinians through this initiative and provide details on the next steps. You can register for the webinar via Zoom. |
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