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Community
Engagement & Empowerment Team
Community Update | September 2022
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New Community Update!
We switched over to Constant Contact to bring you the latest news from the Community Engagement and Empowerment Team at the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services! You are getting this email because you signed up to be on our mailing list. To unsubscribe, you can click on the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the Community Update.
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Have a question? Send it to us!! | |
The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services is working to centralize questions coming in so that we can ensure questions are answered in a timely manner by the appropriate subject matter experts. To do this, we have two portals for incoming questions. | |
Tailored Plans Start December 1, 2022
Tailored Plan Criteria Review, Auto Enrollment and Choice Period
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North Carolina will launch the NC Medicaid Managed Care Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Tailored Plan Dec. 1, 2022. The Tailored Plan is an integrated health plan for individuals with significant behavioral health needs and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The Tailored Plan will also serve other special populations, including Innovations and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver enrollees and waitlist members, and is responsible for managing the state’s non-Medicaid behavioral health, developmental disabilities and TBI services for uninsured and underinsured North Carolinians.
Beginning Aug. 15, 2022, beneficiaries who qualify for Tailored Plans will be auto-enrolled in a Tailored Plan based on their NC Medicaid Managed Care status and administrative county. Some beneficiaries will have the choice to enroll in a Tailored Plan and will not be auto-enrolled. These beneficiaries may have other health care options like a Standard Plan, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Option or NC Medicaid Direct. If these beneficiaries do not select the Tailored Plan, they will remain in their current health care option. Beneficiaries who qualify for a Tailored Plan will receive a notice in the mail letting them know their choices and should contact the NC Medicaid Enrollment Broker.
Tailored Plan Choice Period is Aug. 15, 2022, through Oct. 14, 2022. During the Choice Period, beneficiaries that qualify for the Tailored plan will be able to:
• Choose their primary care provider (PCP) and Tailored Care Management provider
• Choose a different health care option (if applicable)
Tailored Plan members can choose a PCP or Tailored Care Management provider by calling the Tailored Plan’s phone number listed in their notice. Members can search and find providers on the NC Medicaid Enrollment Broker’s website.
If you have not received a letter, please reach out to the Enrollment broker to let them know.
• Phone: 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 711 or RelayNC.com)
• Website: www.ncmedicaidplans.gov
Members who do not choose a PCP or TCM provider will be assigned to one by their Tailored Plan. Auto-enrollment is based on:
• If a beneficiary meets the TP enrollment criteria within the lookback period of 24 months
• The county that manages the beneficiary’s Medicaid case (administrative county)
• Special population considerations
• If a beneficiary was disenrolled only because they lost NC Medicaid or NC Health Choice
eligibility for two months or less
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Joint Communication Bulletins
Joint communication Bulletins are formal communications that the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, and the Division of Medical Assistance use to inform the public as new developments occur.
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NC Olmstead
The Olmstead Plan is designed to assist people with disabilities who receive or are eligible for publicly-funded services to reside in and experience the full benefit of being part of dat-to-day life in communities alongside those without disabilities.
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Department Press Releases
Click here for the latest updates
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Grant Opportunities
Learn more about funding opportunities available from the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.
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North Carolina WIC Program
Farmers Market Nutrition Program is ending Sept. 30, 2022
From May 2, 2022, through September 30, 2022, the North Carolina WIC Program will issue Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons. You can use the FMNP coupons to buy fruits and vegetables at authorized local farmers’ markets. Ask your WIC office for a list of farmers’ markets where you can use the FMNP coupons.
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, partially breastfeeding and postpartum women, and children ages 2 through 4 will receive the coupons.
- Each person eligible will receive six coupons worth $5 each.
- Each person can only receive six coupons per year.
- You will receive all six coupons at one time.
- You may use the coupons at authorized farmers’ markets only, not at grocery stores.
- Farmers who participate will have FMNP posters displayed in their selling areas (not all farmers will have posters.)
- Use the coupons to buy fresh, North Carolina-grown fruits and vegetables only.
- You may not use the FMNP coupons to buy peanuts or other nuts, baked goods, cooked foods, processed foods, honey, eggs, plants, herbs, crafts, or other non-food items.
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Hurricane Season - Make A Plan
Every household needs an emergency plan to know where you will go if you have to evacuate, and how you will communicate. Please make sure that you and your family have your plans developed and that you are prepared with supplies (at least 2 weeks) that you will need if you must evacuate.
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Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention week should be every day. Mental Health Issues or concerns continue to grow and touch each person’s life. There is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues and asking for help continues to be difficult for most people. As our world is changing and adapting to the new normal, we will also continue and increases the conversations that are happening around mental health.
Here are some statics concerning suicide: "Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people age 15-24in the US. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives according to the National Alliance on mental illness."
“Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the US. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.” (Suicide rate highest among teens and young adults By Sandy Cohen • March 15, 2022)
Crisis Resources
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Suicide Among NC Resident Children Ages 17 and Under 2011-2020 | |
| 2011 | 23 |
| | 2012
| 35 | In 2020 | | 2013 | 35 | | | 2014 | 46 | | | 2015 | 35 |
| | 2016 | 44 | Source:NC State Center for Health | | 2017 | 44 | Statistic: Death Certificate Data | | 2018 | 52 | 2011-2020 Limited to NC | | 2019 | 36 | Residents 0-17 | | 2022 | 56 |
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Healthyminds Program - Well-Being for Older Adults | |
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A Free Health Minds phone App based on neuroscience to supplement your current programming with well-being tools! Free short meditations to develop the four skills of well-being:
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Awareness - Be more calm and focused by practicing mindfulness & strengthening attention.
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Connections - Learn simple skills to build healthy relationships & foster caring interactions with others.
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Insight - Increase the skill of self-inquiry to understand how out thoughts, emotions, and beliefs shape our experience.
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Purpose - Clarify and deepen your personal values and principles to bring depth to relationships & meaning to your pursuits.
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Meetings & Educational Opportunities | |
Monthly Joint DMHDDSAS and DHB
Provider and Consumer Webinars
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Joint DMHDDSAS and DHB Provider Webinar
This webinar series is for providers, practice managers, quality improvement professionals, and care coordinators to provide updates from the Division of MH/DD/SAS and Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid).
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to register
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Joint DMHDDSAS and DHB Consumer Webinar
This webinar series is for consumers, family members, and community stakeholders to provide updates that may impact access to services from the Division of MH/DD/SAS and Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid).
Date/Time: Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to register
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Stakeholder Engagement Behavioral Health
Clinical Coverage Policy Update
NC DHHS invites you to join one of two stakeholder engagement webinars offered to learn about the NC Medicaid i Option Community Transition Draft Policy. These webinars are open to all stakeholders.
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Foster Family Alliance of NC
Joint the Foster Family Alliance of NC Teaming with Teens Series to learn more about topics that impact teens that have been placed in foster care. This 3 part series will offer a variety of information designed to meet the needs of the various participants. Child welfare professionals, caregivers and youth & young adults are all welcome.
Teaming with Teens Virtual Event
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, 10:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click her to register
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Hear. Share. Act
A Story Gathering & Advocacy Event for People with I/DD & Their Families
Meet The Need NC is co-hosting with the Family Support Network two events on the unmet needs of the I/DD community. The event is for individuals with I/DD, their families, policy leaders, and key stakeholders!
The event will include stories, music, policy updates, and resources on how to share your story to advocate, educate, and inform key decision-makers on the Registry of Unmet Needs waiting list and the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) workforce shortage.
Hear. Share. Act. - Boone, NC
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Reich College of Education Building, 151 College Street, Boone, NC 28608
Join Link: Click here to register
Hear. Share. Act. - Greenville, NC
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Unity Church, 4301 South Charles Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27858
Join Link: Click here to register
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Sure BET Series
Virtual Series via Zoom Platform
To raise awareness and provide education, the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) and the Division of MH/DD/SAS are sponsoring a four-part workshop to provide in-depth knowledge about problem gambling and treatment interventions. In this training, topics of problem and pathological gambling, gambling counseling theory and practice, regulations and ethical issues, and financial aspects of remuneration will be addressed.
Completion of this training will meet one of the requirements necessary for the NCPGP Provider Registry. Participation in this training does not assure that a provider will be selected for the NCPGP Registry, but it is a required component of becoming an NCPGP provider.
While this training is open to anyone, completion of both Sure Bet One and Two will meet the requirements necessary for application for the NC Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) Provider Registry. Participation in these trainings does not assure that a provider will be selected for the NCPGP Registry, but it is a required component of becoming an NCPGP provider.
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NC Down Syndrome Virtual Speaker Series
Ditching the Diapers: How to Move Forward with Toileting, Terry Katz, PhD
This presentation will cover issues related to toileting including the challenges involved in toilet training children with special needs and useful and practical strategies to teach this important skill.
Objectives:
1. Understand the challenges involved in toilet training individuals with special needs
2. Discuss key components of a successful toileting program
3. Review materials and resources for families
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to Register
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Indecision has a Cost...On Workforce and the Cost of Care
Follow the Leaders - Lessons from our over 200 years of leadership experience! This final webinar in MTM’s Follow the Leaders series will bring together all of the leadership concepts raised in earlier sessions, with a final focus on the need for effective leadership and decision-making. This is particularly important when it comes to organizational systems, which can create significant clinical challenges. Inefficient systems impact the clinical team and the consumers that they serve. So whether you are a CEO, CFO, IT staff, or a clinical provider, understanding how to make decisions and streamline systems is crucial to helping others!
Webinar Content and Objectives:
• Helping you understand how and why your team is stressed out – often for very different reasons. Understanding the different perspectives is crucial to fixing the challenge
• Helping you understand the impact of productivity and your cost of care on your ability to clinically serve your consumers
• Learning how to translate between financial and clinical staff and, in doing so, achieve your organizational goals and better serve your consumers
Date/Time: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to register
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Find, Hire, & Keep: Applying NIATx Process Improvement Tools and Principals to Create Staffing Solutions
This is part III of the Northwest ATTC's summer webinar series on workforce recruitment and retention.
All human service systems are struggling to recruit, hire and retain the staffing that they need to provide quality care. And most of these systems respond to this struggle by spending ever increasing resources with ever diminishing returns. The application of process improvement tools and principals to the hiring process can help organizations to rethink hiring and achieve results. The NIATx rapid cycle PDSA process improvement model has had a huge impact on the quality improvement efforts of substance use and mental health services throughout the county. Join NIATx founding member Mat Roosa, LCSW-R, to learn how to use these powerful tools to understand the hiring process, and make data driven improvements that yield measurable results.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, 12:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to register
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Save the Date: 39th Annual NADD Virtual Conference | |
National Institute of Mental Health | |
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NAMI and NIMH: Then, Now, and the Future
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a long history of advocating to advance science and care for those living with mental illnesses. In this lecture, Ken Duckworth, M.D., will provide an overview of NAMI and the lessons found in his upcoming book, You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real Individuals and Families.
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to register
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The Intersection of Suicide and Substance Use
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, NIMH and The National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA are co-hosting a Facebook Live event on the intersection of suicide and substance use.
This event features NIMH Director Dr. Joshua Gordon and NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow, who will discuss the need to address these co-occurring mental health conditions holistically. Learn more about the topics Drs. Gordon and Volkow will cover.
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to join
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National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Advocacy Tip of the Week. Check out the Advocacy Handbook! The Handbook has tips and tricks for virtual meetings with legislators, as well as templates for scheduling meetings and sending follow-up emails. Please share with your colleagues and let us know if you have any questions. Also, never miss an alert from the National Council by signing up for our Advocacy Alerts.
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Awareness Month - September | |
National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
SAMHSA aims to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. In the years since Recovery Month launched, SAMHSA has timed announcements of initiatives and grant funding during Recovery Month while collaborating with private and public entities to celebrate individuals during their long-term recoveries.
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DHHS National Recovery Month
Every Person, Every Family, Every Community
As part of National Recovery Month, DHHS will host a webinar to increase awareness of the importance of building Recovery Oriented Communities in North Carolina, and provide information and resources for individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help. Recovery is for Everyone, Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.
DHHS National Recovery Month - Every Person, Every Family, Every Community Webinar
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to register
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Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) | |
State to Local Collaboration
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State to Local Collaboration
The State to Local Collaboration Call is scheduled for every 4th Wednesday of the month.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to join
Access Code: 2422 176 1856
Password: beVeuiYA793
Dial-In: 1-415-655-0003
Access Code: 242 176 1856
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NC Medicaid Managed Care Hot Topics Webinar Series
Every 3rd Thursday of the month from
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Next Meeting: Sept 15, 2022, 5:30 p.m.
Register for 3rd Thursday webinars
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NC Medicaid Beneficiary Portal
Medicaid serves low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Beneficiary Portal offers information on applying for Medicaid and more. How do I get a ride to my medical appointment? How do I change my health plan (PHP)?
Go to the Beneficiary Portal
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NC Medicaid Transformation
Here are some additional sites that you may go to find more information on Medicaid Transformation:
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/transformation
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/transformation/more-information
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Updated Guidance
NC Medicaid has published Tailored Care Management Updated Guidance, including updates to the Tailored Care Management Provider Manual, The Use of Care Manager Extenders, Tailored CM 101 Frequently asked Questions, and updated guidance on rates.
For more information on Tailored Care Management, please see the Medicaid bulletin article Tailored Care Management Update: AMH+/CMA Certification Round Two Desk Reviews Completed.
All updates can be found on the Tailored Care Management webpage.
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NC Medicaid Managed Care
Beneficiaries have several resources to help answer questions about their transition to NC Medicaid Managed Care. Those who want a reminder of which health plan they are enrolled in should call the Enrollment Broker at:
1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 833-870-5588)
Questions about benefits and coverage can be answered by calling their health plan at the number listed in the welcome packet or on the What Beneficiaries Need to Know on Day One fact sheet.
For other questions, beneficiaries can call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 888-245-0179 or visit the “Beneficiaries” section of the Medicaid website.
To learn more click here.
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Tailored Care Management Updates
With NC Medicaid’s transformation to managed care, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will continue to offer to Medicaid beneficiaries a comprehensive array of behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) services.
In previous guidance, including the Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Development Disability Tailored Plan Final Policy Guidance and Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Development Disability Tailored Plan Request for Applications.
NCDHHS released detailed information about the Standard Plan and future Behavioral Health (BH) and I/DD Tailored Plan (Tailored Plan) benefit packages. NCDHHS currently covers a subset of BH services under its 1915(b)(3) waiver, which will sunset upon the Tailored Plan launch in December 2022. NCDHHS is seeking authority to cover most of the current 1915(b)(3) services through the 1915(i) authority (Tailored Plan). Information on the 1915(i) services is available in the NC Medicaid Transition of 1915(b)(3) Benefits to 1915(i) Authority white paper.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Updates
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- The National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA) State of the States (SOS) in Brain Injury Annual Conference is a virtual conference again this year and will be held 9/7 thru 9/9. The conference provides a variety of presentations from experts in the field of TBI as well as national networking opportunities. More information about the conference can be found at: https://www.nashia.org/sos-2022
- The quarterly NC Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, September 14th from 9a to 1p. For more information and/or for log in information please email tbicontact@dhhs.nc.gov
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the TBI waiver renewal effective April 1, 2022. More information about the TBI Waiver, including new services, can be found at: Alliance’s TBI Services Page.
- Questions about the TBI Waiver should be sent to: TBIinfo@alliancehealthplan.org. The Brain Injury Association of NC (BIANC) website offers a large variety of information, educational learning tools and maintains a comprehensive online resource guide. The website can be found at www.bianc.net.
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- The new Clinically Managed Population Specific High Intensity Residential Services– ASAM 3.3 Residential Services for beneficiaries with SUD and TBI will post for a 45 day public comment period on the NC Division of Health Benefits website. Stakeholders are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to review and comment on the posted policy. Policies posted for 45 day public comment can be found here, https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/meetings-notices/proposed-medicaid-and-nc-health-choice-policies. Agencies interested in potentially developing this level of care should reach out to their LME-MCO.
- TBI Long Term Residential Rehab will be a new state funded residential service with a projected start date of September 1, 2022.
- The TBI Program is recruiting for membership on the TBI Grant Steering Committee. This steering committee plays an important role in oversight of grant activity, monitoring project progress, making recommendations, problem solving challenges and other critical functions. Interested individuals should contact Sandy Pendergraft at sandy.pendergraft@bianc.net or Michael Brown at michael.brown@dhhs.nc.gov. All are welcome and encouraged to join!
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A diverse and growing library of free online TBI training modules can be found at: www.biancteach.net | |
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
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Disability: IN North Carolina | |
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2022 Disability: IN North Carolina Fall Conference: Ten Years Driving Disability Employment & Inclusion in NC
Join Disability:IN North Carolina for the 2022 Fall Conference: Ten Years Driving Disability Employment & Inclusion In NC. Hosted by Trane Technologies, the conference will feature retrospectives and visioning from NC thought leaders at the forefront of Disability Inclusion, in-depth discussion on the latest inclusion best practices, and cross-industry networking, forging insight and relationship for the next decade of Disability:IN North Carolina!
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NCDHHS I/DD Stakeholder Workgroup Meeting | |
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The DHHS I/DD Stakeholder Workgroup is responsible for researching, recommending, and providing support/guidance for future implementation of best practices to meet the needs of individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
This workgroup is composed of community partners and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the Department of Health & Human Services and the Department of Public Instruction.
The workgroup will work collaboratively with a shared vision and plan.
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Join Link: Click here to join
Dial-In: 1-984-204-1487
Access Code: 612411451
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NC Certified Peer Supports
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North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialists
Peer Support Certification Renewal Reminders
Attention Peer Support Specialists!
Peer Support Certification Renewal reminders are sent 60 days before your certification expires. Please visit the Peer Support Program website for details on how to renew your certification.
Peer Support Job Board
Click here for up-to-date available peer support jobs across the state.
PSS Employment Information
- 4146 Certified Peer Support Specialists as of 8/19/2022
- 1651 Certified Peers are employed as PSS
- 869 PSS are seeking employment
Full & up-to-date statistics can be found by visiting: https://pss.unc.edu/data
Upcoming PSS Trainings
Reporting Complaints or Ethical Violations
Allegations or observation of unethical and/or illegal behavior of a CPSS may be reported at: https://pss.unc.edu/contact-us, or by calling 919-843-3018.
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Veterans, Service Members & Families | |
Community Engagement & Empowerment | |
Community Engagement & Empowerment Team (CE&E)
The Division of MH/DD/SAS, Community Engagement & Empowerment Team provides education, training, and technical assistance to internal and external organizations and groups to facilitate community inclusion and meaningful engagement of persons with lived MH/DD/SUD experience across NCDHHS policy making, program development, and service delivery systems.
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In-Person Training
Remember to get with your CE&E team member to set up trainings for your community events, committees, and CFAC meetings.
The CE&E Team is available to conduct in-person and virtual trainings at no-cost! Reach out to your CE&E Team members to set up any of our trainings from our Training & Technical Assistance Center (TTAC). Our team will continue to follow all guidelines that are suggested by the State, CDC, or your organization/facility. The CE&E Team is here to help. Contact us to begin planning for your next event!
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Your Feedback is Appreciated
Your feedback on the CE&E Update is much appreciated!
Please feel free to email us at CEandE.Staff@dhhs.nc.gov with any tips.
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