Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will headline two key sessions at the upcoming i2i Center for Integrative Health Spring 2025 Conference, with a focus on disability rights, community inclusion, and behavioral health transformation.

On Monday, June 9, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., NCDHHS lead the “Advancing the Olmstead Plan” pre-conference session at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills Hotel. The session highlighted the department’s work to implement the Olmstead Plan, a roadmap designed to support people with disabilities in leading fully integrated lives in their communities — where they live, work, and participate in everyday life.

The discussion explored strategies for transitioning individuals from institutional settings to community-based living, supporting employment choices, and expanding access to essential services. The session also addressed efforts to boost awareness of the Innovations Waiver and improve outreach to those on the waitlist.

Speakers leading voices from across NCDHHS, including:

• Deb Goda, Director of Olmstead and Transitions to Community Living
• Ginger Yarbrough, Chief Clinical Officer for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Olmstead Initiatives
• Dr. David Clapp, Deputy Director for Behavioral Health and I/DD, NC Medicaid
• Niki Ashmont, Acting Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities
• Kenneth Bausell, Senior Director of Employment and Community Access
• Gregory Daniels, Associate Director of Behavioral Health and I/DD, NC Medicaid
• Steve Strom, Director of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Project
• Dr. Tamara Smith, Associate Director of Olmstead and Transitions to Community Living
• Josh Walker, Olmstead Housing Director

Attendees included people with disabilities, their families, advocates, providers, and policymakers. The session will feature personal stories from individuals who have successfully transitioned into community life, along with provider insights into overcoming systemic challenges.

Then, on Tuesday, June 10, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai will deliver a keynote titled “Behavioral Health in North Carolina: Policy, Progress, and Priorities.” Secretary Sangvai will present a comprehensive update on the state’s evolving behavioral health landscape, including:

• Progress on Tailored Plans for Medicaid
• Recent and upcoming legislative efforts
• Key investments in the behavioral health system
• The potential effects of federal Medicaid reforms

Both events will be held at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills Hotel, located at 3415 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh. Credentialed media are invited to attend and must RSVP via email to [email protected].

These sessions underscore NCDHHS’ commitment to creating a more inclusive, responsive, and equitable health system for all North Carolinians — especially those with disabilities and behavioral health needs.