Press Releases

Governor Cooper Announces Texting Tool to Access Food for Children

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that parents who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

Cynthia Thornton Named Director of Standards and Performance for Prisons

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Cynthia Thornton as the director of Prisons’ newly created Standards and Performance section.

Michael Roach Named Warden at Dan River Work Farm

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Michael Roach as warden of Dan River Prison Work Farm in Blanch.

People with Mild Symptoms Should Stay Home

For people who think they might have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends they stay home and call their doctor for medical advice.

Loris Sutton Named Central Region Director for Prisons


The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Loris Sutton as the new Prisons’ Central Region Director, based in Raleigh.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor Cooper Holds COVID-19 Dial-In Media Availability Today

Governor Roy Cooper, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary Mandy Cohen and Director of NC Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry will be available today for a dial-in media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Please see below for

North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.
 

NC Medicaid Increases Support to Protect Those Most at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19 and to Maintain Access to Services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) will temporarily increase payments rates to long-term care providers and facilities to support them in caring for Medicaid beneficiaries who are at high risk of serious illness from COVID

Governor Cooper directs funding to schools to teach and feed students during COVID-19

Governor Cooper directed $50 million in school funding flexibility to help public schools and support the greatest needs to serve students during the COVID-19 crisis. Governor Cooper has ordered North Carolina public schools to remain closed to in-class instruction through May 15. 

COVID-19 Dial-In Media Availability March 24

State Public Health and Emergency Management Officials will be available today for a dial-in media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Reporters can call in to monitor the remarks and ask questions. A livestream video feed will be available from a pool camera.