June 9, 2023
Photo Credit: NC Department of Public Safety 

This week, Gov. Cooper announced the NC Secure All Firearms Effectively (NC S.A.F.E) initiative to urge North Carolinians to take action to safely store their firearms and save lives, and has proclaimed June 4-10 as NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action to raise awareness about the importance of safe gun storage.

Firearms are the leading cause of injury-related death among children and youth in North Carolina. In November 2022, NCDHHS released a white paper describing public health strategies to reduce firearm violence and misuse. 

NC S.A.F.E. provides resources on best practices for firearm storage and safety. By utilizing cable locks, trigger locks, gun safes, lockboxes, and gun cases, North Carolinians can help make the State of North Carolina safer for everyone.

For more information on safe firearm storage and ways to spread awareness, visit ncsafe.org.
 
NCDHHS' Division of Public Health Achieves National Accreditation
Last week, NCDHHS' Division of Public Health (DPH) announced its accreditation from the prestigious Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). This achievement recognizes DPH's commitment to meeting the highest standards of public health practice and demonstrates its dedication to improving the health and well-being of the residents of North Carolina. Accreditation by the PHAB is a rigorous process that evaluates an organization's ability to meet a set of quality standards, measuring the division's performance against nationally recognized public health standards. The accreditation process examines various aspects of DPH operations, including the effectiveness of its programs and its capacity to respond to public health emergencies. By achieving accreditation, NCDHHS' Division of Public Health joins a select group of state and local health departments across the country that have earned this distinction. This accomplishment underscores the department’s dedication to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolina's diverse population. Read more in an NCDHHS news release
 
 
Vocational Rehabilitation Client Shares Success Story
David Camfield, a client of NCDHHS' Vocational Rehabilitation (NCDVRS) Program, shares his personal story, outlining how the program helped him achieve success. David moved to North Carolina after an automobile accident that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body and was partnered with an employee in NCDVRS who equipped him with the adaptive technology necessary for David to work as a writer. David obtained a business communication internship at NCDHHS through the Employment First program and with the use of speech-to-text software, he was able to put his thoughts on paper again. Read more about David's story in an NCDHHS newsletter article. NCDHHS’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) helps people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence. If you have a disability that prevents you from achieving career success or independence in the community of your choice, DVRS can connect you to services and resources to help you meet your goals. Go to the DVRS website to learn more.