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In recognition of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, NCDHHS hosted a webinar, "Better Health Through Better Understanding," on July 13 to highlight the unique mental health challenges and needs of historically disenfranchised or oppressed racial and ethnic groups, increase awareness and recognize the importance of addressing mental health disparities that exist within minority communities. |
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Supporting Independence for People Who are Blind and Visually Impaired
Charles Hill, a certified rehabilitation counselor with NCDHHS’ Division of Services for the Blind, shares his story about the importance of accessibility for people with visual impairments, as NCDHHS celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Charles is blind and grew up in the 1970s and 80s, before the passage of the ADA in July 1990. He had to depend on the availability of people to read for him to access information in print and on the computer. The ADA created limitless opportunities in education, socialization, and employment for people with disabilities and helped Charles to successfully complete two undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate degrees, allowing him to land a job as a certified rehabilitation counselor in NCDHHS’ Division of Services for the Blind. Read more about Charles' story and how NCDHHS partnered last fall with Ablr Works to develop a “first-of-its-kind” workforce development program to train people who are blind or visually impaired to become digital accessibility testers in an NCDHHS newsletter article. |
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Free Course on Radon for Real Estate Brokers
NCDHHS' Radon Program is offering 12 free, four-hour classes for licensed real estate brokers to ensure their clients understand the importance of radon testing in the homes and buildings they purchase. Registration for the course is required and you can find a complete list of class dates and locations on the website. Radon is a silent, colorless, odorless gas that comes from the decay of various elements in rocks and soil under buildings and is prevalent in most counties in North Carolina. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This course will address the best practices for testing and mitigation strategies for various building types and sizes. The NC Radon Program is approved by the NC Real Estate Commission as an elective educator. Participants of this course will receive four elective credits approved by the NC Real Estate Commission and a toolkit composed of educational materials. For more information, contact phillip.gibson@dhhs.nc.gov. |
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Photo Credit: Dept. of Environmental Quality
Public Cautioned to Avoid Algal Bloom in Chowan River
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is advising the public to avoid contact with green or blue water in the Chowan River due to an algal bloom that has lingered in the area since July 12, 2023. The bloom has been observed along both shorelines of the river, from Tyner to the Edenhouse Bridge in Edenton. Counties currently affected include Chowan, Bertie and Hertford. DEQ has determined the bloom is dominated by Aphanizomenon, which can produce microcystin, an algal toxin that may cause adverse health effects in humans and pets. North Carolina has had no reports of adverse health effects in people associated with this algal bloom. NCDHHS routinely encourages the public to avoid contact with large accumulations of algae and to prevent children and pets from swimming or ingesting water in an algal bloom. Read an NCDHHS news release to learn more about some best practices for keeping you and your pets healthy while enjoying recreational waters this summer. For more information on the potential health effects of algal blooms, visit NCDHHS' website. |
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Update Webinar for Consumers, Stakeholders
NCDHHS is holding an update webinar on July 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. for consumers, family members and community stakeholders to provide updates from the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid). Register for the webinar and visit the Community Engagement and Training page on the NCDHHS website for previous webinars and training. |
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