North Carolinians' health is improving thanks to new and expanded state health programs and services. Federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic helped the North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCDPH) to:
- Expand healthcare access
- Improve disease surveillance
- Foster innovative health solutions
Here are some key initiatives and their lasting impacts:
Overdose Prevention and Treatment
- Helped more than 30,000 people access overdose prevention programs.
- Distributed naloxone, helping to save 15,259 people from overdoses.
- Referred 2,147 people to substance use treatment providers.
Infection Prevention in Long-term Care Facilities
- Completed more than 9,000 on-site visits to care facilities.
- Trained over more than 31,000 staff members on infection control.
- Reduced preventable infections, leading to fewer deaths.
Suicide Prevention Through Faith Leaders
- Reached nearly 50,000 people through the Faith Leaders for Life Training Program.
- Trained nearly 100 faith leaders who work with Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and rural communities.
Health Equity in Vaccination Rates
The Healthier Together Program helped close gaps in COVID-19 vaccination rates among different racial groups.
Smoking Cessation Campaign
- The campaign earned 44.1 million views, and 2,650 people signed up to QuitlineNC to stop smoking.
- Worked with North Carolina Agricultural & Technical (N.C. A&T) University to promote a 100% tobacco-free policy.
Maternal Health for Incarcerated Women
Partnered with University of North Carolina Collaborative for Maternal & Infant Health to train on best practices for the “Dignity for Women Who are Incarcerated Act.”
NCCARE360 Expansion
- Connected healthcare providers to non-medical community resources.
- Helped meet the needs of 2,842 people through 306 new partners.
Health Equity Initiatives
- Implemented 82 activities to advance health equity across 63 counties.
- Worked with N.C. Department of Transportation to integrate food security into transportation planning.
Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids
Targeted lead and asbestos hazards in public schools and childcare facilities, benefiting more than 100,000 children.
Workforce Strengthening and Public Health Accreditation
- Launched the “We Are NC Public Health” campaign to attract talent.
- Developed the nation’s first Credentialed Public Health Nurse course.
- Received national accreditation, showing commitment to quality in public health.
Get More Information
For more details, check out the full DPH Success Stories report (PDF).