Latest news with #NCDHHS
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Health
- Associated Press
NCDHHS Partners with Talkspace to Provide Free Virtual Mental Health Therapy to Teens Involved in or Impacted By the Justice System
RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 30, 2025-- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Talkspace, a virtual therapy platform now available for free to justice-impacted teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 in North Carolina. Recent data from North Carolina shows that 100% of young people in youth development centers had at least one mental health diagnosis, with more than half also having a substance use disorder diagnosis. Additionally, youth involvement in the justice system can increase a young person's risk of experiencing more trauma or psychological distress. It can also lead to increased risk of adult criminal activity, lower education attainment and difficulty finding a job. 'There is an urgent need for youth-focused solutions to help young people involved in the justice system get the care they need so they can thrive in their homes and communities,' said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. 'The partnership with Talkspace is one of the ways the department is working to transform mental health care to build a system that works for every person in North Carolina.' The Talkspace partnership is a part of an effort to expand services for individuals in the justice system, with a focus on increasing quality and consistency of behavioral health programs for youth. The two-year program will serve as many as 20,000 youth impacted by the legal system, including people who may have personally been detained/court-involved, have lived experience as victims of crime or are otherwise identified as at risk (for example, having incarcerated members of family). Teenagers who download the app or go to the website will be put in contact with a trained clinician who can be matched by age, culture, gender, etc. The platform offers 24/7 text, audio and video access and self-guided activities. Those participating may immediately access Talkspace services using a referral keyword provided by court counselors, case managers or other community partners such as local Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils and other youth advocacy groups. Participation is voluntary and will not be court-ordered. Talkspace offers 'asynchronous' therapy which differs from traditional approaches by allowing therapists and clients to communicate in various formats without scheduled appointments. The client engages in the therapeutic process whenever and wherever is most convenient. 'Increasing access to treatment is critical for justice-involved youth. Tele-mental health does this by meeting youth and families where they are and allows for immediate therapy from culturally responsive providers in a comfortable format,' said Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. 'Ensuring children and youth involved with or impacted by the justice system receive mental health care is critical in stopping the re-entry cycle and ensuring children go on to live full and meaningful lives.' 'We're proud to partner with the North Carolina Juvenile Justice System and NCDHHS to bring accessible, confidential mental health support to teens who need it most,' said Jon Cohen, M.D., Chief Executive Officer at Talkspace. 'This collaboration marks a meaningful expansion of our work with youth—reaching them in a new context, at a critical moment, and reinforcing our commitment to equitable care for all.' This initiative is part of NCDHHS' mission to improve access to mental health care in North Carolina and is funded by the $835 million investment that focuses on mental health transformation. An overview of the historic investment made possible by the NC General Assembly is available in this white paper: Transforming North Carolina's Behavioral Health System; Investing in a system that delivers whole-person care when and where people need it. About Talkspace Talkspace is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare. Talkspace pioneered the ability to text with a licensed therapist from anywhere and now offers a comprehensive suite of mental health services, including therapy for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management (18+). For more information, visit View source version on [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NORTH CAROLINA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH TELEMEDICINE/VIRTUAL MEDICINE SOURCE: Talkspace Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/30/2025 02:30 PM/DISC: 07/30/2025 02:31 PM
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Tuberculosis case identified in Avery County
The Toe River Health District, in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Avery County School System, is investigating potential tuberculosis (TB) exposure in Avery County. ALSO READ: New rabies cases in Mecklenburg County An individual with active TB has been identified and isolated by the Toe River Health District. During the investigation, health officials identified over 100 individuals who may have had close contact with the infected person. All potentially exposed individuals have been contacted by public health nurses from the Toe River Health District or the Avery County School System. While most people with close contact to someone with active TB do not become ill, a small number may become infected with the TB bacteria. Early detection of TB infection is crucial, as it can be treated to prevent the development of active TB disease. People who are sick with TB disease can be treated with medications and are almost always cured. Active TB most often affects the lungs. People who are sick with the disease often experience one or more of the following: Couch lasting more than 3 weeks Coughing up blood Fever Profuse sweating at night, often soaking the best sheets Unintentional weight loss Poor appetite Chest pain or discomfort Difficulty breathing 'Identifying illnesses, protecting the public and working to contain this exposure is our top priority,' said Toe River Health District Director F.M. Gardner in a press release on Monday. 'We will continue to test those at risk and protect the public. If you have not ben contacted by a nurse from the Toe River Health District or the Avery County School System, you do not need to be tested.' WATCH: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games draw tens of thousands to Avery County Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Multiple fatalities reported in Tropical Storm Chantal flooding in North Carolina
Multiple people died in central North Carolina after Tropical Storm Chantal brought a deluge of rain and flooding to the area on July 6, according to officials. The Raleigh-Durham area saw nearly 12 inches of rainfall in 24 hours, while neighboring areas reported at least nine inches, according to the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. The influx of rain caused flooding in several areas including Alamance, Chatham, Moore, Orange and Person counties, according to the Citizen Times. Chantal was downgraded to a tropical depression by July 7, but was still dumping rain across the mid-Atlantic. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said at a news conference on July 8 that officials from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services were still working to confirm the total number of fatalities from the flooding, but that there are "a handful of reported deaths to date." The NCDHHS said it does not currently have verified information on storm-related deaths but referred USA TODAY to local law enforcement. The North Carolina Department of Emergency Management told USA TODAY in a statement that the state's emergency response team "is aware of potential fatalities linked to Tropical Storm Chantal as reported by law enforcement" and is awaiting reviews from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Here's what we know. In Chatham County, which is just west of Raleigh, three people died in the floods, officials confirmed to USA TODAY. Sandra Portnoy Hirschman, 83, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, died around 11:30 p.m. local time on July 6 when her car became submerged in water, Steve Newton, Chatham County's emergency management director, told USA TODAY. Two individuals who went boating on Jordan Lake around 5 p.m. on July 6 also died, Newton said. One boater was recovered on July 8, while the second individual was found July 9 — both are awaiting positive identification from the medical examiner's office, Randall Rigsbee, Chatham County Sheriff's Office public information officer, told USA TODAY. Monica Butner was driving to work in Hillsborough, North Carolina, on the evening of July 6 when her car got stuck in floodwater, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said in a release. The 58-year-old called 911 around 10:30 p.m. local time amid the heavy rainfall, but the call disconnected, OCSO said. Firefighters soon located her unoccupied car. First responders found Butner dead around 5 p.m. on July 7. Officials said she was "almost completely obscured by fallen trees and debris approximately 120 yards downstream from her vehicle." 'The devastating power of stormwater caused Ms. Butner's tragic death, despite the heroic efforts of searchers and the work of the top-notch professionals at Emergency Management who coordinated the incoming resources," Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in the release. "I am grateful to everyone who assisted with this search, and I offer my condolences to all affected by this tragedy.' In Alamance County, two people died under the jurisdiction of the Alamance County Sheriff's Office, Byron Tucker, public information officer, confirmed to USA TODAY. Hajar Hassib, 23, of Graham, North Carolina, was reported missing in Graham and later found dead in the flooding, Tucker said. James Michael Parcell, 71 of Haw River, North Carolina, was also found dead after being reported missing to ACSO. Both were "a result of swift water across the roadway," and found within miles of each other, Tucker said. Parcell's obituary said he died in a car accident. Known as Mike, Parcell "lived life to the fullest" and "always found a way to make you laugh," according to his obituary. USA TODAY has reached out to Gov. Stein's office for more information. This story has been updated with additional information. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tropical Storm Chantal flooding in NC kills multiple people
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stein declares May 25-31 as North Carolina heat awareness week
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 25-31 as North Carolina Heat Awareness Week to bring attention to climate warming. 'North Carolina state agencies and community partners are working to make sure North Carolinians have the resources they need to stay safe when temperatures soar,' Governor Josh Stein said. 'North Carolina is preparing for another summer of record heat. While you are outside this summer, please take the necessary steps to prevent heat exhaustion and illness.' Communities across N.C. are encouraged to prepare for high summer temperatures. Among weather-related hazards, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths each year. Some signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include: Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Racing or weak pulse Dizziness Headache Fainting Nausea or vomiting. Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age, income, physical condition or occupation, People with underlying health conditions are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing adverse health effects. Additionally, NCDHHS Operation Fan Heat Relief is underway through Oct. 31, 2025. Visit DHHS's website to see if you qualify for a free fan for the hot summer months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Memorial Day weekend at NC coast: Concerns after 13 rip current rescues last week, 2 active swim advisories for bacteria
OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WNCN) — With Memorial Day weekend a kickoff for the summer beach season, North Carolina coastal areas are watching for dangerous rip currents and two swimming spots are under scrutiny for high bacteria levels. At least two coastal swim advisories are in effect, with high levels of bacteria recorded heading into the weekend, state officials said. Last weekend, there were 13 rip current rescues in Carteret County at Emerald Isle — which was under a moderate rip current risk at the time, the National Weather Service reported. Just last week, three North Carolina coastal swimming areas were under an advisory by the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program. However, advisories in Dare County at the Outer Banks and in New Hanover County near Wilmington were lifted by Wednesday, state officials said. But, on Thursday, a new swim advisory was issued for a sound-side site in Brunswick County in Southport, officials said. Don't swim at these NC beaches, officials warn; man-of-war swarm OBX and NC island The new advisory is for the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street in Southport. Test results of water samples taken Tuesday and Wednesday indicate bacteria levels that exceed the state and federal action levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Also, an earlier swimming advisory in Beaufort County is still in effect for public access to Pantego Creek at East Main and Tooley streets in Belhaven. Test results of water samples indicate a running monthly average of 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. This exceeds the state and federal standards of a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. The advisories are not beach closures. Swimming advisories are for waters within 200 feet of signs erected about each advisory. State recreational water quality officials sample 222 sites throughout the coastal region, most of them weekly, from April to October. Rip currents are an important focus for authorities at the North Carolina coast, where dozens of rip current rescues took place several weekends last summer. A high rip current risk was issued Wednesday for several beaches, including Oak Island in Brunswick County and Emerald Isle in Carteret County. Last weekend, lifeguards rescued 13 Emerald Isle swimmers when there was a moderate risk for rip currents at that beach. For Memorial Day weekend, rip currents are forecast as a moderate risk in most beach areas at the North Carolina coast. Meanwhile, Oak Island officials said Saturday they are still dealing with Portuguese man-o-war washing up on the beach. 'We recommend you watch your step on the strand and stay out of water. Their tentacles are long and burn like (fire),' Oak Island officials said on Facebook. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
