NC Health Secretary Highlights Funding Threats to Post-Helene Mental, Social Services

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai toured Western North Carolina to highlight the critical mental health and social services provided after Hurricane Helene, focusing on the Hope4NC program and the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP). Hope4NC has delivered over 11,300 counseling services and responded to more than 7,300 helpline calls since September 2024, providing essential support for substance use disorders and mental health challenges. The HOP program, which offers non-medical interventions such as food, housing, transportation, and legal aid to Medicaid enrollees, has served over 43,000 individuals but faces imminent funding cuts unless included in the state budget. Sangvai emphasized the program’s proven benefits, including reduced Medicaid costs and improved family health, while advocating for lawmakers to reconsider funding decisions amid widespread community reliance on these services. Nonprofits like Caja Solidaria, which provide fresh local produce through HOP, and local farmers supplying food risk significant financial losses and job cuts if funding is discontinued. The Secretary's visits underscore the importance of these programs for disaster recovery and ongoing health support in the region.