Community

Engagement & Empowerment Team

Community Update | October 2022

NCDHHS - DMH/DD/SAS

NCDHHS Delays Medicaid Managed Care Tailored Plans

To ensure beneficiaries can seamlessly receive care on day one, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will delay the implementation of the NC Medicaid Managed Care Behavioral Health and Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plans (Tailored Plans) until April 1, 2023.

 

Tailored Plans, originally scheduled to launch Dec. 1, 2022, will provide the same services as Standard Plans in NC Medicaid Managed Care and will also provide additional specialized services for individuals with significant behavioral health conditions, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DDs), and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

 

The delayed start of Tailored Plans allows Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs), which will operate the Tailored Plans, more time to contract with additional providers to support member choice and to validate that data systems are working appropriately. The decision is supported by the leadership of the state’s six LME/MCOs.

 

Please see NCDHHS Delays Medicaid Managed Care Tailored Plans for more information.


Please continue to check the NC Medicaid webpage for additional updates.

 

Press Release Link

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.

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.

Email: BHIDD.helpcenter@dhhs.nc.gov



Website: Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services

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.

Read More

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 day-to-day life in communities alongside those without disabilities.

Read More

Department Press Releases


Click here for the latest updates

Grant Opportunities


Learn more about funding opportunities available from the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.

Learn More
Hurricane Preparedness Guide

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. 

Crisis Resources


Learn More

Welcoming New CE&E Staff!!

Lee Armistad

Lee Armistad: Human Service Program Consultant for Military and Veterans


I am Lee Armistad from San Diego Ca. I am an Army Veteran who served 23 years. Upon retirement, I took 3 years off to complete my education and be a stay-at-home mother to my son and daughter. My career background is I have worked as a Special Education Teacher for a high school, a CPS Social Worker for the Department of Social Services, and an MST Therapist for troubled youth (ages 12-17). I am excited to be here at DHHS as the Human Service Program Consultant for Military and Veterans. I look forward to meeting and working with stakeholders as well as community leaders to assist.


Jennifer Meade: A/D for Consumer Support Services and Commmunity Stakeholder Engagement


Jennifer joins us from Alliance Health and begins her role October 3rd.


Welcome, Lee and Jennifer!

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 October 6, 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  October 3, 2022, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Join Link: Click here to register

2022 Annual Conference

2022 NAMI NC Annual Conference

McKimmon Center │ Raleigh, NC

October 4, 2022, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Register Here!

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Steps to Success: Effective IEPs

Date/Time: Tuesday October 11, 2022,6:30-7:45 p.m.

Join Link: Click here to register


The Webinar will cover what parents need to know about of every child's IEP.


Click here to Register

Addressing Trauma and Building Resilience using A Science-Based Approach



This 90-minute training is designed to introduce the concepts and implementation of trauma and trauma-informed approaches, including a discussion about the impact of Covid-19 on individuals across the lifespan.


October 6, 2022

1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

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. 

Register Now

14th Annual NC One Community in Recovery Conference


Calls for proposals are due October 28,2022! 

Submit Your Proposal Today!

Save the Date: 39th Annual NADD Virtual Conference

Learn More

The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery is pleased to announce the 36th annual Alternatives conference, to be held virtually on Wednesday, November 2, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, November 3, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday, November 4, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.


Free Registration!

Disability: IN North Carolina

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!

Register Now

National Council for Mental Well Being


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.

Awareness Month - October


Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month


Read the Proclamation from Governor Roy Cooper. 


ADHD Awareness Month


Learn more

Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC)

Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (LCFAC)


Check your local LME/MCOs for meeting dates and times. Some have started meeting in a hybrid manner.

LME/MCO Directory
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State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee


SCFAC meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month and are open to the public. The September SCFAC meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting. The virtual platform and teleconference options will be provided for additional attendees.

 

WebEx Virtual Meeting Details:

Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct 12, 2022, 9:00 - 2:45 p.m.

Location:306 N. Wilmington Street, Raleigh NC

Bath Building Conf. Room 107

Join Link: Click here to join

Access Code2433 556 2669

Password: UjgCMrdM337


Dial-In: 1-415-655-0003

Access Code: 2433 556 2669


Visit the State CFAC page for more information.

State to Local Collaboration 

State to Local Collaboration


The State to Local Collaboration Call is scheduled for every 4th Wednesday of the month.


Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct 26, 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

NC Medicaid Managed Care

NC Medicaid Managed Care Hot Topics Webinar Series


Every 3rd Thursday of the month from

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.


Next Meeting: Oct 20, 2022, 5:30 p.m.


Register for 3rd Thursday webinars

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

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

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 ExtendersTailored 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.

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.

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 April 2023. 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.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Updates


  • The quarterly NC Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, December- More information to fallow


  • 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.


  • 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!

A diverse and growing library of free online TBI training modules can be found at: www.biancteach.net

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)

NCDHHS I/DD Stakeholder Workgroup Meeting

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: December 1, 2022, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. 

Join Link:TBD

Dial-In: TBD

Access Code: TBD

NC Certified Peer Supports

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

  • 4178 Certified Peer Support Specialists as of 9/29/2022
  • 1656 Certified Peers are employed as PSS
  •  876 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-usor by calling 919-843-3018. 


Veterans, Service Members & Families

Veterans, Military Members, & Families


Extension of Gulf War Presumptive Period

The Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the presumptive period for qualifying chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed   illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans to Dec. 1, 2026. To learn more about the VA and Gulf Ware Veterans, click here.


Veterans, Military Members, & Families Resources


 News Releases

• Guidelines for Helping Your Family after Combat Injury

• Impact of Invisible Injuries: Helping your Family and Children

• Understanding Refugee Trauma: For School Personnel

• After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal

• Resource Guide for Veterans


NCGWG Meetings

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.

Learn More

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!

Request a Training!

CE&E Contact Information


CE&E Team Email: CEandE.staff@dhhs.nc.gov

Stacey Harward, BSW: Stacey.Harward@dhhs.nc.gov

Wes Rider, BSW: Wes.Rider@dhhs.nc.gov

Badia Henderson, BBA: Badia.Henderson@dhhs.nc.gov

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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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