Topics Related to Healthier people

Today Governor Josh Stein visited RHA Health Services’ Alamance County Behavioral Health Center in Burlington to host a roundtable discussion with community leaders highlighting the critical role that crisis and mental health services play in keeping North Carolinians healthy and safe. The Alamance Center is a partnership of county, state, and local management entities (LMEs) that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and other behavioral health needs. 
Today in western North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein highlighted ongoing efforts to build a safer and stronger North Carolina. In Clay County, the Governor joined local officials for a roundtable discussion on how the opioid settlement funds he won during his tenure as Attorney General are being used to support treatment and recovery services. Later in the day, he joined the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police in Cherokee for its 50th Annual Training Conference.
Today Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update to reaffirm his commitment to a healthier North Carolina, including announcing new funding for rural health care and summer meals for kids and calling on the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive state budget that fully funds Medicaid as federal Affordable Care Act tax credits expire. Governor Stein also gave an update on his successful work to keep people safe from malicious drones. 
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today
This year, Governor Stein is highlighting some of his most memorable moments from his first year in office.
Governor Josh Stein today announced $270 million in awards to repair and strengthen the resilience of water systems in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. The awards from the NC Department of Environmental Quality will fund 58 water, wastewater and septic system projects in 26 western North Carolina counties. North Carolina is the first state affected by Hurricane Helene to make awards provided through the 2025 State Revolving Fund Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Hawai’i Wildfires.
Today Governor Stein is directing the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to restore Medicaid reimbursement rates to September 30, 2025, levels. The legislature’s failure to fully fund Medicaid forced cuts to the program in October, and the months-long budget stalemate between the legislative chambers has resulted in a wave of litigation against the state. Recent court orders have now made it untenable to continue with rate reductions.
Today Governor Josh Stein joined the North Carolina Farm Bureau for its 90th annual convention, underscoring how essential agriculture is to North Carolina’s economy and heritage.
Today Governor Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrate two years since the implementation of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. More than 690,000 newly eligible North Carolinians have gained access to affordable health care through Medicaid expansion, including veterans and workers in child care, construction, hospitality, home health care, and other industries essential to our state’s success.  
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) earlier this month submitted its Rural Health Transformation Plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The plan demonstrates how the state could use $200 million in federal funding annually over five years to improve health across 85 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. CMS is expected to announce funding decisions by December 31, 2025.