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NCDHHS will host a live tele-town hall on May 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss Medicaid expansion resources, those newly eligible, and how to apply for health coverage.
North Carolina Medicaid now covers more people ages 19 through 64 years. People who did not qualify for Medicaid in the past may now be eligible, including those who are single or do not have children.
While more than two out of three newly eligible North Carolinians have already enrolled in Medicaid, nearly 200,000 who may be eligible have not yet applied. The NCDHHS Medicaid expansion website provides eligibility information, how to apply and where to find support.
The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 103378#. Those joining the event will have the opportunity to ask questions about Medicaid expansion, eligibility and enrollment.
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Investing in our state’s early care and learning network supports children, families and the teachers who serve them. It’s time to Raise North Carolina — visit RaiseNC.nc.gov to learn more. |
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Secretary Kinsley Speaks at the "Why Us Kids?" Mental Health Rally
On April 28, Secretary Kinsley spoke at the ‘Why Us Kids?’ rally in Franklin, NC. The event was created by Gracie Parker, an 11-year-old youth mental health activist who shares her lived experience to raise awareness of the ongoing youth mental health crisis and advocate for school-based, trauma-informed support services for students of all ages across the state. Like Gracie, more than 70% of children say they do not have access to the mental health care they need. One of NCDHHS’ top priorities is to build a behavioral health system that meets children and families where they are. The department is investing $7 million in services like school-based telehealth to ensure children have better access to mental health treatment. NCDHHS also trained more than 1,200 school staff across the state in mental health first aid to ensure they know how to respond if a student shows signs of needing mental health support. |
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Celebrating Older Americans Month
Gov. Cooper has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month and NCDHHS is celebrating older Americans on May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the North Carolina State Farmers Market, 201 Agriculture St. in Raleigh, where people can celebrate aging and learn about local resources. The fair is free and open to the public. This year’s theme is Powered by Connection and focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently as long as possible and participating how they choose. Older adults are at risk of social isolation, and NCDHHS is working to connect people across the state in traditional and technologically advanced ways. North Carolina ranks 9th in the nation for the number of people aged 65 and older, with one in six North Carolinians aged 65 or older — and that number is growing. By 2030, for the first time, North Carolina will be comprised more of older adults than children. Learn more about how NCDHHS helps support older Americans through its Division of Aging. |
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Harnett County EMS Earns Top Spot at Paramedic Competition
The Harnett County EMS team of Morgan Langdon and Jonathan Murphy earned the top spot at the 32nd annual Paramedic Competition held this week in Greensboro, earning the state title for the first time. Langdon and Murphy were among the top six teams from across the state in this year’s competition at the annual North Carolina EMS Expo — an educational conference for paramedics, EMTs and county emergency services directors to hone their skills with presentations from faculty across the state and the U.S. All six duos were held in sequestration before emerging to face the same, true-to-life mock emergency. This year’s scenario involved a car crash with multiple occupants injured in the vehicle, including one experiencing an overdose, and another pedestrian who was struck by the car impacting a downtown urban area. Each team has 12 minutes during the competition to assess, treat and stabilize the scenario’s victims. Tom Mitchell, chief of the N.C. Office of Emergency Medical Services, announced the winners at a banquet held Tuesday evening to cheers and applause from hundreds of the winners’ peers. |
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Operation Fan Heat Relief: May 1 - Oct. 31
NCDHHS' Division of Aging is partnering with the N.C. area agencies on aging and local service providers to distribute fans to eligible recipients through Operation Fan Heat Relief May 1 through Oct. 31. People age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance. Since 1986, the relief program has purchased fans for older adults and adults with disabilities. The program is made possible by donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion Resources and Valassis. It allows regional area agencies on aging and local provider agencies to purchase fans for eligible individuals. Local provider agencies can also purchase a limited number of air conditioners based on a person’s specific health conditions. More information about Operation Fan Heat Relief, including tips on preparing for extreme heat and a list of local agencies distributing fans, is available on the NCDHHS website.
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May is Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with melanoma being the third most common. To help lower your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers: 1) Seek shade when possible. 2) Use a sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher). 3) Wear appropriate clothing (sunglasses, hat, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and skirts) when possible. 4) Avoid tanning beds. 5) Check your skin for all the spots (moles, freckles and age spots) on your body. If you notice any new or changing spots, contact a healthcare provider. 6) Know your family history of skin cancer. Talk with a doctor about your risk factors for skin cancer. There is no screening test for skin cancer. Therefore, you should perform a monthly self-examination of your skin from head to toe to look for changes in your skin. Also, see a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam. For more resources, please visit the NC Cancer Prevention and Control Branch's or CDC's websites.
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Side-by-Side Webinar with NCDHHS' Mental Health Division
Join staff from NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services on May 6 at 2 p.m. to learn more about policies and programs that affect the Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Substance Use Services and Traumatic Brain Injury community. The goal of these monthly webinars is to bring everyone together in one (virtual) place to share ideas for public policy that will improve the lives of North Carolinians. This group includes consumers, families, advisory groups, LME/MCOs, community members and partner organizations. Register for the webinar on May 6 via Zoom and see a flyer for more information. |
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