State and local governments in North Carolina would be barred from requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employees or students under a bill passed March 21 by the House Health Committee.
All in Health
EPA announces national standards for PFAS levels in North Carolina
EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced a first of its kind National Primary Drinking Water Regulation at a press conference in Wilmington on Tuesday. The regulation applies to six PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) also known as “forever chemicals” that can be found in drinking water.
EPA announces proposal to regulate PFAS in drinking water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known to occur in drinking water.
NCDHHS Launches Trainings with K-12 Schools to Support Student Mental Health Locally
School staff, mental health professionals and the community can learn how to expand support for K-12 students and families experiencing mental and behavioral health issues in a webinar from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, March 15. The webinar is hosted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the i2i Center for Integrative Health.
Lawmakers can intervene, face March 24 deadline in abortion pill lawsuit
A federal judge has granted N.C. legislative leaders’ request to intervene in a lawsuit targeting the state’s abortion pill restrictions
NCDHHS, State Legislators Host a Town Hall Addressing Youth Mental Health March 16
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley — alongside NC State Senators Jim Burgin, Joyce Krawiec and Paul Lowe — will host a town hall in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Thursday, March 16, at 6 p.m. to discuss the mental health crisis for children and teens across North Carolina.
Murphy Addresses Marine Corps Recruitment Shortage Brought on by Vaccine Mandate
Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), along with House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost and Reps Max Miller and Jen Kiggans, led a letter to General David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps, to address the recruitment shortage brought on in large part by vaccine mandates.
Governor Cooper Releases Roadmap for $1 Billion in Behavioral Health and Resilience Investments
Governor Roy Cooper released a comprehensive plan to invest $1 billion in addressing North Carolina’s mental health and substance use crisis, including anxiety and depression rates that have almost quadrupled, overdose deaths that have jumped 72 percent and youth suicide rates that have doubled.
North Carolina Launches Caregiving Workforce Strategic Leadership Council
North Carolina leaders are projecting shortages in direct care workers, nurses and other caregiving positions in the coming decade. At the same time, demand for these services is rising.
NCDHHS releases statement on Medicaid Expansion
North Carolina legislative leaders announced Thursday an agreement to expand Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of additional low-income adults through the Affordable Care Act.
Governor’s virtual meeting to support mental health on campuses
Readout from Governor’s Virtual Meeting with State Health Officials, UNC System Leaders, Chancellors on Efforts to Support Mental Health on Campuses
Treasurer Folwell exposes N.C. nonprofit hospitals’ extravagant Executive Pay
Groundbreaking report concludes nonprofit hospitals paid top executives over $1.75 Billion in the past decade, doubling CEO compensation faster than previously thought.
Study: COVID fear to cause long-term labor shortage
New research predicts long-term pain for the labor market due to around 3 million workers who plan to remain permanently sidelined over concerns of physical illness or physical impairment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Cooper urges Congress to pass supplemental funding for coronavirus response
Governor Roy Cooper sent a letter to the North Carolina Congressional Delegation urging Congress to act immediately on a funding package for COVID-19 so that the state can stay ready in the event of a future surge.
Wake County School Board votes to end masks in class March 7
The Wake County Public School Board voted for making masks recommended but not required for athletics immediately. The vote includes extracurricular activities, ending masks requirements on Friday, Feb. 25, and for classes starting March 7.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is cautioning families about certain infant formula that has been recalled by Abbott for potentially containing a bacteria that can lead to hospitalization in infants. The recall includes powdered formulas Similac, Alimentum, EleCare and EleCare Jr., and they should not be used.
Bill giving parents decision making authority over masks in schools clears Senate
The N.C. Senate approved a bill making masks optional in K-12 schools and early childhood programs on state property, thus giving parents control over the decision to mask their children.
Governor Cooper encourages schools and local governments to end their mask mandates
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 metrics and trends.
North Carolinians encouraged to seek mental health support amidst ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services encourages North Carolinians to seek mental health support through the Hope4NC helpline (1-855-587-3463) available 24/7 via call, text or chat.
CDC updates COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for people who are immunocompromised
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.