February 2, 2021
The Task Force was established by Governor Roy Cooper in June 2020 to “focus on addressing existing policies and procedures that disproportionately affect communities of color and developing solutions to ensure racial equity in North Carolina’s criminal justice system.” They have now issued their 2020 final report. The report includes recommendations related to the juvenile…
Read moreIn the 200 page National Strategy for COVID-19 Response and Preparedness, January 2021 plan and among the many executive orders signed, President Biden is paying particular attention to individuals with disabilities and laying out new strategies to protect them from COVID-19 moving forward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to issue new…
Read moreI am so honored to be the new Executive Director of the i2i Center for Integrative Health. As many of you know, I have been with i2i since its inception in January 2018 and with the legacy organization, the NC Council of Community Programs, since 1994. I have a family member who gives me the…
Read moreThe 43rd Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health was held on January 30th. Much of the discussion was centered on the “uptick” of mental health needs because of the pandemic and the critical need to address the gap in health insurance coverage. Donna Carrington, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment Fund, was the speaker representing individuals…
Read moreThe concept of expanding Medicaid has been met with fierce debate in North Carolina—even to the point of causing a budget impasse between the Governor and the NC General Assembly. The NC Council for Health Care Coverage was a bipartisan, diverse group of legislative, business and State government leaders convened by Governor Cooper to discuss…
Read moreDuring the pandemic, mental health struggles and substance use are increasing for many people. Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services continues to make changes to meet these challenges. To respond to these needs, Old Vineyard added services with virtual access. Our clinical admissions team offers online assessments as on option for individuals who prefer this method…
Read moreDecember 17, 2020
I appreciate and welcome the opportunity to offer a few comments as I look forward to my upcoming retirement. As those of you who attended our Pinehurst conference heard me say, it has truly been my privilege to serve in this leadership role with i2i (as well as our legacy organization). I’ve learned a great…
Read moreDecember 16, 2020
A key indicator that Medicaid Transformation is back is the recent publication of the Request for Application (RFA) for the BH/IDD Tailored Plan. The Tailored Plan is scheduled to go-live on July 1, 2022, one year after the Standard Plan is implemented. And with all of the requirements in the RFA for physical health, it…
Read more