North Carolina Health News

Established in November 2011 as a nonprofit organization in North Carolina, NCHN is a dedicated news outlet focused on health care issues within the state. We pride ourselves on our independence, steering clear of any connections to political parties, special interest groups, or activist organizations. Our goal is to bridge the growing gap in health care media coverage by developing a comprehensive website that delivers essential information about health care in North Carolina. NCHN will showcase original articles and in-depth features authored by skilled health journalists like Rose Hoban, Taylor Sisk, and others.

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NC Senate budget plan filled with health care policy initiatives

6 days ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Rose Hoban |Grace Vitaglione

The North Carolina Senate’s proposed budget for the next two fiscal years is packed with policy around new health care initiatives, including repealing North Carolina’s hospital capacity regulation laws, trimming vacant state job openings and increasing rates for child care subsidies. The spending plan — just over 1,000 pages — calls for allocating about $32.6 billion in the coming fiscal year and $33.3 billion in the next.
Bill to reduce young drivers’ practice time stalls in NC House committee

1 week ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Jennifer Fernandez

By Jennifer FernandezA bill that would further shorten the practice period for young drivers stalled Wednesday in the Transportation Committee of the N.C. House. Sponsors of House Bill 584 asked to rescind a motion that would have pushed it closer to a final vote in the House of Representatives, citing the need to address committee members’ concerns at a future meeting.
NC House bill would further shorten practice period for teen drivers

1 week ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Jennifer Fernandez

When North Carolina implemented a year of practice as part of a new graduated driver’s licensing for 16- and 17-year-olds in the 1990s, the state saw an almost immediate plunge in fatal crashes for those kids. But during the pandemic, lawmakers temporarily shortened the time required for teens to drive with supervision from from 12 months to six.
Older and disabled Medicaid recipients, advocates ‘extraordinarily worried’ about potential Medicaid cuts

1 week ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Grace Vitaglione

Julie Crockett’s 8-year-old granddaughter, Sophia McConkey, relies on Medicaid every day. She has a rare genetic disorder called TBCK syndrome that causes low muscle tone, seizures and fragile bones. McConkey requires 24-hour nursing care, which allowed her to qualify for a Medicaid waiver called Community Alternatives Program for Children, which pays for 16 hours of nursing a day, Crockett said. Her family provides the other eight hours.
Wilson County installs naloxone kiosks to fight opioid overdose deaths

1 week ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Jaymie Baxley

Naloxone is a widely available medication that can bring someone back from the brink of death in minutes, but cost, stigma and other barriers have kept the opioid overdose antidote out of reach for many of the North Carolinians who need it most. In Wilson County, a new initiative aims to break down those barriers by giving residents free, 24/7 access to naloxone — no questions asked.
School-based telehealth expands further in North Carolina

1 week ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Jennifer Fernandez

In a small room at Hillcrest Elementary School in Burlington, students can now meet with a doctor during the school day — virtually. The school joins a growing network across North Carolina where students don’t have to leave school to be seen for physical or behavioral health needs. Health advocates say that school-based telehealth care cuts down on absenteeism, ensures that students receive routine care that they might not otherwise be able to get, and can even boost test scores.
NC House lawmakers propose 'long overdue' reforms to child welfare system

2 weeks ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Grace Vitaglione

Gaile Osborne is a foster parent to six children. She would’ve had seven if her first foster child had been allowed to stay with her, she said. Instead, her county Department of Social Services decided to put the 4-year-old back with her biological mother in what Osborne thought was a premature decision.
RFK Jr.’s federal health department cuts sow confusion, uncertainty and fear in North Carolina

2 weeks ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Rose Hoban |Rachel Crumpler |Taylor Knopf |Grace Vitaglione

When federal health officials announced late last month what top officials called a “dramatic restructuring” of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the department’s secretary, claimed: “Over time, bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants.
Spruce Pine’s wastewater plant rebounds after Hurricane Helene’s destruction

2 weeks ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Will Atwater

The Town of Spruce Pine Wastewater Treatment Plant processes sewage from thousands of customers, including residents of the town and surrounding areas. Once cleaned, the water is returned to the North Toe River, which typically flows languidly westward.
Legislative battle continues over how to address health care costs in North Carolina

2 weeks ago | northcarolinahealthnews.org | Grace Vitaglione

Lindsi Franklin’s son, Isaac, was 9 years old in June 2024 when doctors found an abscess in his stomach and a section of diseased bowel. He was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease — Isaac’s immune system had decided that his own intestines were an enemy. Franklin’s insurance company required prior approval before covering the medications Isaac needed — a process that took months, Franklin said. She spent hours on the phone between the company, pharmacy and the physician.