The one-day Stronger Together conference was designed as a “day of learning, healing and community building” that allowed Black youth and community members a chance to discuss mental health, learn about resources and look toward solutions. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

The one-day conference was designed as a “day of learning, healing and community building” that allowed Black youth and community members a chance to discuss mental health, learn about resources and look toward solutions. buff.ly/lCwxlmP

While state lawmakers responded with tougher crime legislation, experts argue the deeper issue is the lack of long-term mental health solutions that connect people to community services. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

While state lawmakers responded with tougher crime legislation, experts argue the deeper issue is the lack of long-term mental health solutions that connect people to community services. buff.ly/HBj1vu4

In response to a fatal Charlotte stabbing last month, ‘Iryna’s Law’ tightens pre-trial release rules and expands mandatory psychiatric evaluations — but critics say it lacks needed investments in the state’s mental health system. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

In response to a fatal Charlotte stabbing last month, ‘Iryna’s Law’ tightens pre-trial release rules and expands mandatory psychiatric evaluations — but critics say it lacks needed investments in the state’s mental health system. buff.ly/gJEFWbt

Psychiatric nurse Natasha Donnelly founded Cedar Oaks, a mental health practice in Wake Forest, in 2021 after years of seeing gaps in psychiatric care, investing her own savings to create a more collaborative, patient-centered clinic. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

By centering human connection and teamwork, Cedar Oaks mental health clinic provides patients with alternatives to hospitalization and helps families find stability. buff.ly/JkZiPeh

Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates is joining Atrium Health, the latest example of the consolidation that is shaping health care across the state. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates is joining Atrium Health, the latest example of the consolidation that is shaping health care across the state. buff.ly/HiI6B2W

$33 million budget shortfall leads to widespread layoffs in Medicaid Ombudsman program, but NCDHHS vows “minimal disruptions” as it shifts oversight amid concerns about what transition means for those needing services. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

NCDHHS vows “minimal disruptions” as it shifts oversight amid concerns about what transition means for those needing services. buff.ly/K6TRCXl

State investigators return to Mission Hospital on same day as group calls for better staffing, patient monitoring. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Reclaim Healthcare WNC says some recent deaths could have been prevented; hospital calls statements misleading. buff.ly/Zna86Al

Statewide survey shows vacancies remain high, especially among licensed practical nurses, even as recent investments boost the pipeline of new graduates. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Statewide survey shows vacancies remain high, especially among licensed practical nurses, even as recent investments boost the pipeline of new graduates. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/09/19/n...

Under federal law, public schools must provide children with disabilities a “free appropriate public education,” but enforcement has diminished during the Trump administration. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Under federal law, public schools must provide children with disabilities a “free appropriate public education,” but enforcement has diminished during the Trump administration. buff.ly/FM7SvtM

North Carolina watches for signs of bird flu as fall migration begins. Officials and advocates say early detection, transparency and farm precautions are key to limiting risks. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Officials and advocates say early detection, transparency and farm precautions are key to limiting risks. buff.ly/M0co3B3

NC turns to mobile clinics to expand substance use treatment State officials say mobile units will deliver methadone and other medications for opioid use disorder to rural and underserved areas. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

State officials say mobile units will deliver methadone and other medications for opioid use disorder to rural and underserved areas. buff.ly/vYIfYjl

Getting sustainable funding through Medicaid reimbursement may be difficult in a state that is poised to end funding for a pilot that uses Medicaid dollars for nonmedical health needs of rural residents. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Getting sustainable funding through Medicaid reimbursement may be difficult in a state that is poised to end funding for a pilot that uses Medicaid dollars for nonmedical health needs of rural residents. buff.ly/ka4yUPt

People 65 and older no longer need a prescription for a COVID booster NC state health director issues standing orders that ease access barriers to COVID vaccines for many residents. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

NC state health director issues standing orders that ease access barriers to COVID vaccines for many residents. buff.ly/Z3fjMuU

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of the country’s best-known vaccine skeptics, reshapes federal policy and guidelines, NC physicians talk about the practical effects. Full story ➡️ buff.ly/VMQOZoF

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of the country’s best-known vaccine skeptics, reshapes federal policy and guidelines, NC physicians talk about the practical effects. buff.ly/VMQOZoF

As the state works to ramp up support for formerly incarcerated people, one nonprofit is hitting the road to fill in gaps and provide on-the-ground support. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

As the state works to ramp up support for formerly incarcerated people, one nonprofit is hitting the road to fill in gaps and provide on-the-ground support. buff.ly/SxbSXYu

A watchdog report finds NC among the many states struggling to keep “forever chemicals” from landfills out of rivers and groundwater. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

A watchdog report finds NC among the many states struggling to keep “forever chemicals” from landfills out of rivers and groundwater. buff.ly/qZMKriR

State’s lack of child psychiatrists, especially in rural areas, leaves pediatricians to face conditions beyond their specialty. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

State’s lack of child psychiatrists, especially in rural areas, leaves pediatricians to face conditions beyond their specialty buff.ly/z91Mufs

Duke Health steps out of the Triangle with a new partnership and a Duke-branded hospital in the Charlotte region. For patients in Charlotte, the move could mean more choice — and maybe even lower prices. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Duke Health steps out of the Triangle with a new partnership and a Duke-branded hospital in the Charlotte region. For patients in Charlotte, the move could mean more choice — and maybe even lower prices. buff.ly/aXHkgGc

Research shows rural women face greater isolation, higher rates of abuse, and fewer resources than their urban counterparts. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Research shows rural women face greater isolation, higher rates of abuse, and fewer resources than their urban counterparts. buff.ly/F4rALeX

Families and providers warn that reductions created by the recent congressional budget may destabilize group homes and strain already fragile support systems. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Families and providers warn that reductions created by the recent congressional budget may destabilize group homes and strain already fragile support systems. buff.ly/3vJ0Bm2

Students struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental or behavioral health issues will be connected to a therapist during the school day. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Students struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental or behavioral health issues will be connected to a therapist during the school day. buff.ly/QOZXGFa

Health leaders say the 144-bed hospital will boost mental health access and workforce training in eastern North Carolina. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Health leaders say the 144-bed hospital will boost mental health access and workforce training in eastern North Carolina. buff.ly/m3xG6q4

Through a model called direct primary care, more N.C. employers are bypassing insurance and paying doctors directly, “Like a gym membership for health care.” Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Through a model called direct primary care, more N.C. employers are bypassing insurance and paying doctors directly, “Like a gym membership for health care.” buff.ly/RA6G7s5

FTC has long said products must back up health claims. A MAHA lawsuit would upend that. Supplement maker’s lawsuit challenges FTC authority over health claims, raising stakes for regulation and consumer protection. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Supplement maker’s lawsuit challenges FTC authority over health claims, raising stakes for regulation and consumer protection. buff.ly/Zkn2LfH

Mixed signals on whether plans to relaunch Martin County hospital can move forward after Medicaid cuts. Would be new type of hospital for NC. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org

Mixed signals on whether plans to relaunch Martin County hospital can move forward after Medicaid cuts. Would be new type of hospital for NC. buff.ly/cnie3lc