Local News
NCDHHS and CHESS Health launch free resource for veterans to support their mental health
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), CHESS Health and Diamond Mind, LLC, have launched an initiative to provide specialized resources and services for military veterans and mental health providers through the Connections app – the state’s free digital recovery platform.
The Connections: Recovery Support app puts peer-backed recovery support in the pockets of North Carolinians. The app provides 24/7 access to trained peers, moderated online communities, daily check-ins, and proven coping tools to support recovery. NCDHHS sponsors this free resource, which is available in English and Spanish and can be used by any North Carolinian, including providers who want to enhance their recovery-support resources. Click here to download the app.
North Carolina is home to more than 615,000 veterans, making up about 7.3% of the adult population in the state. The partnership with CHESS Health and Diamond Mind will bring culturally relevant and strengths-based support, focusing on their positive attributes and skills for military veterans throughout the state.
“We are committed to building a mental health system that serves all North Carolinians, including the many veterans that call our state home,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Veterans face a distinct set of challenges when transitioning to civilian life, and these often increase the risk of substance use and mental health issues. We must remain committed in our service to them just as they committed to serving our nation.”
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, North Carolina had 209 veteran deaths by suicide in 2022, the last year for which data is available. The suicide rate of 30.4 deaths per 100,000 is lower than the national rate for veterans (34.7) but still significantly higher than the rate for non-veterans (17.8).
“Veterans deserve mental health and recovery services that honor their unique experiences and treat them with dignity and respect,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “This initiative strengthens our statewide commitment to veteran-centered, accessible care and underscores the vital role communities play in supporting those who have served.”
“Our veterans have served with courage and commitment, and they deserve a mental health system that serves them with the same dedication,” said Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This initiative ensures veterans have the tools and trusted connections they need to continue thriving at home. By linking digital recovery support with veteran-centered care, we’re closing gaps, reducing stigma, and reminding every veteran that help and hope are always within reach.”
North Carolina Behavioral Health professionals are invited to a National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors accredited training session on Oct. 22. The session is designed to equip North Carolina clinicians and recovery staff with culturally competent and practical tools to better serve veterans. It is offered at no cost. Click here for details or to register.
North Carolina veterans are invited to participate in dedicated peer-led huddles on Nov. 10. The huddles foster safe, authentic conversation and are hosted inside the Connections app, which is available at no cost. To participate, download the Connections: Recovery Support App for free.
CHESS Health has previously partnered with NCDHHS to provide critical support for individuals working toward recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) across the state. CHESS Health’s proven eRecovery solution offers a comprehensive digital support system to foster and enhance long-term recovery. For more information, visit CHESS Health website.
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Contributed.
Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Via Aberdeen Police Department.
Three people were arrested Thursday after Moore County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Bell Fork Road in the Heflin Mobile Home Park in Aberdeen.
Detectives conducted the search on Nov. 13 and seized suspected cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, multiple items of drug and marijuana paraphernalia, thirteen firearms, and more than $2,800 in cash.
Investigators arrested Jose Sanchez, 26, of Aberdeen, and charged him with felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance; possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; felony possession of cocaine; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; felony possession of marijuana; two counts of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Moore County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Tabitha Sanchez, 56, of Aberdeen, was charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held at the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and is also scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Brandy Grice, 50, of Aberdeen, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and has the same Dec. 10 district court date.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Via Aberdeen Police Department.
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