The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has marked one year under the leadership of Secretary Dev Sangvai. Over the past year, Secretary Sangvai has focused on improving access to health care, making care more affordable, investing in mental health services, and supporting vulnerable children across the state.
“With strong headwinds at the federal and state levels threatening access to health care and cutting critical funding, NCDHHS remains steadfast in its mission to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians,” said Secretary Sangvai. “The Department launched many new programs in 2025 to make North Carolina healthier, and I look forward to continuing these efforts with our team and partners as we build a health care system that truly works for everyone.”
A major priority for Secretary Sangvai has been child welfare. The department introduced PATH NC, a statewide information system designed to provide real-time data and tools for decision-making in child welfare cases. This initiative aims to better protect children by improving coordination among agencies.
Another key development was the launch of the Children and Families Specialty Plan. This plan is intended to guarantee comprehensive physical and mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth, and young adults who are currently or were previously involved with the child welfare system.
In response to rising suicide rates among Black youth in North Carolina, NCDHHS implemented the NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
Secretary Sangvai also visited county departments of health and social services throughout North Carolina. These visits were aimed at understanding local challenges faced by counties in delivering support services.
“County health and human services staff are the backbone of their communities, on the front line every day delivering life-changing resources and care to their neighbors, friends and loved ones,” said Secretary Sangvai. “I am committed to working with our county partners to improve the health and well-being of the more than 11 million people who call North Carolina home.”
Efforts have also been made to expand access to healthcare statewide. More than 700,000 residents have gained coverage through Medicaid expansion since its launch two years ago. Additionally, $213 million was secured through approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for rural healthcare transformation programs aimed at serving over three million people living in rural areas.
Secretary Sangvai highlighted that he worked alongside Governor Stein as they announced that a medical debt relief program had provided over $6.5 billion in assistance for more than 2.5 million residents—exceeding initial projections.
To further support families with children, NCDHHS released an online provider map via VaccinesForKids.nc.gov and VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov so families can locate required vaccines more easily—a move expected to save families significant costs associated with immunizations needed for school attendance.
State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt issued standing orders allowing pharmacists at retail locations across North Carolina to test for influenza beginning October 1st—a step intended to increase accessibility of basic healthcare services.
Thirteen state-operated healthcare facilities now use a new electronic records system launched by NCDHHS this year; this is expected to enhance patient care by ensuring authorized providers have access to necessary patient data across settings.
“Everyone in North Carolina should be able to access the right care at the right time, regardless of where they live or how much money they make,” said Secretary Sangvai.
On mental health initiatives, NCDHHS invested in several new facilities including Behavioral Health Urgent Care centers serving both adults and youth as well as peer respite centers designed for those experiencing mental distress but not requiring hospitalization. Mobile opioid treatment programs began operating in Raleigh and Greensboro; additional mobile units are planned for next year.
The department partnered with Shatterproof on UNSHAME NC—a campaign focused on increasing awareness about substance use disorder treatments—and Hazel Health on virtual mental health service delivery reaching over 400,000 K-12 students statewide.
FACT teams (Forensic Assertive Community Treatment) were established in multiple counties including Pitt, New Hanover, Wake/Durham, Buncombe, and Mecklenburg; these teams help individuals with severe mental illness involved with the justice system transition back into their communities while aiming to reduce recidivism rates.
“There is no health without mental health,” said Secretary Sangvai. “Our efforts are working to bring down opioid deaths and overdoses, but there is more work to be done. Reducing stigma surrounding addiction and eliminating barriers to treatment are key in helping more people who are struggling with mental health in North Carolina.”
NCDHHS stated it remains committed “to provide essential services that improve the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians” through ongoing collaboration across state partnerships.
