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Having health insurance is a big part of being healthy. If you don’t have health coverage, consider enrolling for 2019 coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. But hurry - the deadline is Dec. 15.
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720,000 Receive Disaster Food Assistance After Florence
More than 720,000 North Carolinians in 304,000 households received help to buy food after Hurricane Florence. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or “D-SNAP,” was available in 34 counties declared eligible under federal disaster declarations.
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Deadline for Input on Early Childhood Plan Extended
The deadline for public input on the draft North Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan has been extended to Dec. 21. This allows more time for feedback. The plan, developed by DHHS, focuses on improving outcomes related to the health, safety and well-being, and developmental and academic readiness, for children from birth to age eight.
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Office of Rural Health Celebrates 45 Years
The North Carolina Office of Rural Health, the oldest in the United States, recently celebrated 45 years of improving access to health care for North Carolinians. In honor of the milestone, Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed Nov. 15 Rural Health Day in the state. The Office of Rural Health works to improve access, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. It is instrumental in recruiting and placing health care professionals in areas where they are needed and in developing community-owned rural health centers.
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Connecting Physical and Behavioral Health Care
DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD, and Deputy Secretary Dave Richard highlight in the News & Observer the progress being made to connect physical and behavioral health care in NC Medicaid to focus on whole-person health for the 2 million North Carolinians enrolled in Medicaid.
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DHHS Shoutouts
Medicaid employees help Hurricane Florence victims with donation drive; Black Mountain arts therapist profiled on UNC-TV; holiday events held at DHHS facilities; a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office hosts a Disability Mentoring Day to cap National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and more.
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NC Strengthens its Fight Against Opioid Crisis
The number of pharmacies participating in the Controlled Substance Reporting System is expanding by more than 1,200, further strengthening the state’s fight against the opioid abuse epidemic, Governor Roy Cooper announced.
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Assistance Available for Eligible Households That Need Heating Help
DHHS is reminding North Carolinians that funding is available for eligible households that need help heating their homes through the Crisis Intervention Program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. Both programs require participants to meet eligibility requirements, including income levels.
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DHHS Commits to Lower Infant Mortality Rates, Reduce Disparities
NC’s 2017 infant mortality rate decreased to 7.1 deaths per 1,000 births, compared with a 2015 rate of 7.3. There was a reduction in the gap in birth outcomes for white infants and African-American infants, but the gap remains high. “DHHS is committed to doubling down its focus on this critical area to lower North Carolina’s overall rate and to decrease our unacceptable racial disparities in infant mortality,” said State Health Director and DHHS Chief Medical Officer Elizabeth Tilson, M.D., MPH.
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Governor, DHHS Mark World Aids Day
State health leaders and other officials urged people to get tested and know their HIV status on Dec. 1, the 30th anniversary of World Aids Day. Fifty health advocates and leaders, including DHHS leadership, were convened by Governor Roy Cooper for a summit to discuss challenges and opportunities in addressing North Carolina’s HIV epidemic.
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Pre-employment Transition Program Helps 70 Students
A partnership between DHHS’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, area schools and Industrial Opportunities, Inc. helped 70 high school students in western North Carolina get a leg up on finding success in school and employment.
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