Gov. Cooper Declares an American Indian Heritage Month
Community, News November 2, 2021
Governor Roy Cooper has declared November as American Indian Heritage Month, an observance that celebrates the history and heritage of our nation’s first inhabitants. North Carolina is home to eight state recognized tribes including the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony and Waccamaw-Siouan. The state also has four urban Indian associations including the Cumberland County Association for Indian People, Guilford Native American Association, Metrolina Native American Association and the Triangle Native American Association.
“We are grateful for North Carolina’s American Indians and all of the contributions they’ve made to our state,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “The rich history and traditions of our tribes make our state a more vibrant place for all.”
“As a native of both the Coharie and Lumbee Tribes, this month is particularly dear to me, as we not only celebrate family, culture and traditions but also educate North Carolinians on the rich diversity of our state,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Pamela Brewington Cashwell. “We’ve lost many tribal members throughout the pandemic, but our roots are strong and so are the American Indian people.”
In April 2021, Secretary Cashwell made history as the first American Indian woman to head a state cabinet department in the state’s history. According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau, more than 130,000 American Indians reside in North Carolina, making our state the second largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River and the seventh largest American Indian population in the nation.
This year marks another milestone as the department celebrates the 50th anniversary of the creation of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs . Established by the NC General Assembly, the Commission was formed to focus local, state and federal resources to support and advocate for the state’s American Indian population. For the past half century, the Commission and its staff have aided tribal communities by serving as a hub for information on housing assistance, educational resources, scholarships, healthcare, workforce development and more. The Commission and staff also have worked to promote the culture and traditions of North Carolinian’s American Indians.
The theme for this year’s American Indian Heritage Month is, “Strong Roots in Changing Times,” reflecting the resilience of American Indians throughout the pandemic and the continued preservation of their rich culture and traditions.
To celebrate American Indian Heritage Month, the Commission is again partnering with the NC Museum of History, North Carolina’s American Indian tribes and urban Indian organization to coordinate a weekend of special events. The 26th annual celebration will be virtual and is free and open to the public. This year, students and teachers can view live dancing and music during the celebration’s Education Day on November 19 from 9:30 am – 3:30pm. The main celebration will be held Saturday, November 20 from 11 am – 4pm and will feature live panel discussions and presentations.
To learn more about the upcoming American Indian Heritage Month Celebration visit the North Carolina Museum of History website for details. Read the proclamation here.
Governor Cooper Honors North Carolina’s Black Health Leaders
Community, Press Release February 12, 2021
RALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper recognized and honored North Carolina’s African American leaders and organizations in health and medicine for their contributions to heal and care for their communities.
“I am grateful for all of the African American leaders who have served our state through their efforts in health and medicine,” said Governor Cooper. “As we celebrate their achievements, we must acknowledge that North Carolina still has work to do to ensure equitable health systems for all North Carolinians.”
Governor Cooper proclaimed February as Black History Month in North Carolina at the beginning of this month.
In June 2020, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 143 which established the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force. This Task Force is working to address the disparities in our health care and economic institutions for communities of color that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic, Governor Cooper and top health officials have made equity a top priority. North Carolina has been recognized nationally for state efforts to track data about race and ethnicity in vaccinations and COVID-19 cases. North Carolina continues to reach out to communities of color with focused outreach and ensuring a portion of vaccines every week go to underserved communities.
This year’s honorees include:
- Maude Lee Bryant of Chatham County – Midwife with birthing practices that were known statewide; instructor on traditional birthing to UNC Medical School students
- Emma Dupree of Pitt County – Herbalist and healer; winner of the Brown-Hudson Award by the North Carolina Folklore Society and the North Carolina Heritage Award
- Leonard Medical School at Shaw University – The nation’s first four-year medical school and the first medical school for Black students between Washington, D.C. and New Orleans; over 400 Black physicians trained here
- M.T. Pope of Wake County – One of the earliest graduates of Leonard Medical School and one of the first licensed Black physicians in North Carolina; practiced in Charlotte and later established a practice in Raleigh
- L.A. Scruggs of Wake County – One of the earliest graduates of Leonard Medical School and one of the first licensed Black physicians in North Carolina; the first attending physician at St. Agnes’ Hospital for Negroes in Raleigh; professor at Shaw University and St. Augustine’s University; co-founder of the Old North State Medical Society
- John T. Williams of Mecklenburg County – One of the first Black diplomats in the U.S. under President William McKinley; one of the earliest graduates of Leonard Medical School; one of the first licensed Black physicians in North Carolina
- Joyce Nichols of Person County – First female and first African American female formally educated as a physician assistant; helped to establish the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants
- Ernest Grant, Ph.D., of Buncombe County – First male president of the American Nurses Association
- Kizzmekia Corbett, Ph.D., of Orange County – Led a team of investigators with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in research to find a COVID-19 vaccine
- Dr. William Cleland of Durham County – First African American pediatrician in Durham; ran four well-baby clinics for the Durham County Health Department
- Dr. Frederick Burroughs of Wake County – Raleigh’s first Black pediatrician; City of Raleigh Hall of Fame member; American College of Pediatricians fellow
- Dr. Aaron McDuffie Moore of Durham County – First Black medical doctor of Durham; prominent leader in the African-American community
- Dr. Dewey M. Clayton III of Person County – First Black doctor in Person County; civil rights leader who helped filed lawsuits to integrate Person County schools and Person Memorial hospital
- Dr. John Thomas Daniel, Jr., of Durham County – First African American president of the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
- Thereasea Clark Elder of Mecklenburg County – Charlotte’s first Black public health nurse; integrated Mecklenburg County’s Public Health Department
- Dr. Leroy Darkes of Wake County – UNC internal medicine physician; dedicated the majority of his career to providing care for elderly and senior patients
- Dr. Michelle Bucknor of Wake County – Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealth; leading advocate for social determinants of health and improving health care outcomes
- Eugene Woods of Mecklenburg County – President and Chief Executive Officer of Atrium Health; advocate for protecting and expanding health care coverage for all and achieving equity of care by eliminating disparities
- Dr. Charlene Green of Guilford County – President of Old North State Medical Society
- Rep. Carla Cunningham of Mecklenburg County – North Carolina House of Representatives Member for the 106th District; member of the North Carolina Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services; former hospice nurse
- Dr. Laura Gerald of Robeson County – President of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust; former State Health Director at North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; former public health physician at Robeson County Public Health Department
- Marilyn R. Pearson, M.D., of Johnston County – Public Health Director and Medical Director for Johnston County; Congressional District 7 Representative for NC Medicaid Medical Care Advisory Committee; 2015 North Carolina Health Director of the Year
- Dr. Goldie Byrd of Forsyth County – Director of Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity
- Dr. Charles Johnson of Durham County – First Black professor at Duke Medicine
- Old North State Medical Society in North Carolina – One of the oldest medical societies for African Americans in the United States; formed to protect the rights of African American physicians
- Brigadier General Clara M. Adams-Ender of Johnston and Wake Counties – First woman to receive a MA in Military Arts and Sciences from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; first African American nurse corps office to graduate from United States Army War College; participant in Greensboro sit-ins
- Dr. Samuel Gray of New Hanover County – One of the first resident physicians at Community Hospital in Wilmington; filed a civil suit against James Walker Memorial Hospital for admitting privileges
- Dr. Alvin Blount, Jr., of Guilford County – First African American in North Carolina to be certified by the American College of Abdominal Surgeons; first Black surgeon admitted to the medical staff of Cone Hospital; litigant of the Simkins v. Moses H. Cone Hospital suit that desegregated hospitals throughout the South
- Dr. William Green Torrence of Buncombe County – Established Asheville’s first Black hospital, Torrence Hospital
- Dr. James F. Shober of Forsyth and New Hanover Counties – First known Black physician with a medical degree to practice in North Carolina; opened his medical practice in Wilmington
- Charlotte Rhone of Craven County – First Black registered nurse and first Black social worker in New Bern; charter member of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses
- Carrie Earley Broadfoot of Cumberland County – Co-Founder and first President of the North Carolina Association of Colored Graduate Nurses; served as Superintendent of Nurses at St. Agnes Hospital
- North Carolina Association of Colored Graduate Nurses in Forsyth County – Founded by five nurses to provide professional development opportunities for Black nurses in North Carolina; advocated for Black nurses’ rights and helped advance health initiatives in Black communities
Governor Cooper Will Extend Evictions Moratorium
News, Press Release December 30, 2020
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced that he plans to extend the state’s evictions moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent through at least January 31, 2021.
“This holiday season, too many families are struggling to pay rent as the pandemic surges,” said Governor Cooper. “As the first of the month approaches and rent becomes due, I wanted people to know that we plan to extend the moratorium on evictions.”
The details and language of the moratorium are forthcoming and will be based on how or whether Congress extends the federal moratorium. More information on the state’s extension will be shared as soon as possible.
Gov. Cooper, Sec. Cohen and Sec. Hooks Call on Local Leaders for Additional COVID-19 Support
News, Press Release December 14, 2020
RALEIGH: On Friday, Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, and Secretary Erik Hooks wrote a letter to local elected leaders imploring them to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities by considering additional enforcement measures.
“Now more than ever we need help with enforcement from our local partners to fight this raging pandemic,” said Governor Cooper. “Taking steps now to protect our communities by enforcing safety precautions will help reduce transmission of the virus and save lives.”
A recent advisory opinion from the North Carolina Department of Justice concludes that local governments may unquestionably enforce local ordinances that establish civil penalties for violations of the Governor’s COVID-19 Executive Orders.
“We are on a dangerous course,” said North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “Everyone – our counties and municipalities, businesses, community organizations, and every North Carolinian – must act to save lives and make sure our hospitals can care for those who need them.”
“Good public health is vitally important to maintaining a safe and secure environment,” said NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks. “Public safety professionals at all levels of government are essential to supporting the public health sector of our state and nation’s critical infrastructure.”
Read the full letter.
Read the advisory opinion.
Governor Cooper proclaims May Mental Health Month
Press Release, State & National May 18, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in North Carolina. Nationally this month is used to reduce the stigma regarding mental health and encourage individuals to seek the medical help they may need.
“This pandemic has put a spotlight on the need for more attention to mental health. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and there are newly expanded opportunities to seek telehealth during this pandemic,” said Governor Cooper.
“These past months have been really hard on so many North Carolinians. Our lives have changed in unimaginable ways and some of us may be struggling with managing our mental health. Please reach out to a provider or call our Hope4NC hotline for help coping and building resilience during this of crisis,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, NC DHHS Secretary.
1 in 5 adults struggle with mental health challenges in a given year, and during this month people are encouraged to hold open conversations that support and respect individuals living with mental illness. The majority of individuals with mental illness do not receive the treatment they need.
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is important that all North Carolinians pay attention to their physical and mental well-being. While activities many perform as part of their daily lives have been limited, people are encouraged to practice safe, socially distant outdoor exercise and meditation. There are also newly expanded opportunities to safely receive mental health services through telehealth during the course of the pandemic.
North Carolinians can call Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 for mental health support.
Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/hope for more wellness resources.
Read the Proclamation.
Watch Governor Cooper’s Video.
Phase One of reopening North Carolina begins on May 8
Business May 7, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, residents of N.C. will have certain restrictions lifted as the state moves toward reopening.
In Phase One, the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses is removed and individuals can leave their homes for any commercial activity that is open. Small outdoor gatherings are allowed, but gatherings more than 10 are still prohibited. Religious services and First Amendment activities are also allowed but must follow social distancing protocols. However, the 10-person limit doesn’t apply to these gatherings, but they should gather outside unless impossible.
“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”
Those who do decide to go out they are encouraged to wear a face mask, carry hand sanitizer, wash their hands whenever possible, and regularly clean high-touch surfaces.
“When leaving home and wear it inside all public settings such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail or public-serving businesses. A Face Covering should also be worn outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six (6) feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer,” states the Executive Order.
Retail stores can operate at 50 percent capacity. Additionally, customers must stand six feet apart and retailers should provide hand sanitizer, screen employees, and frequently clean. NCDHHS is posting the screening questionnaire online.
Phase One summary from Gov. Cooper’s office.
Businesses that remain closed are bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms.
Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, takeout and delivery.
All employees are encouraged to wear face masks or coverings and Cooper still recommends teleworking whenever possible.
Long-term care facilities are still closed to visitors.
Parks are encouraged to open if they can accommodate social distancing, but playgrounds should remain closed.
Childcare facilities will be open to serve families who need the assistance. The organizations are required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.
In explaining the decision to move to Phase One, Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:
- Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
- Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.
- Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
- Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
- Laboratory Testing – North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.
- Tracing Capability – The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.
- Personal Protective Equipment – Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.
The order is in effect until 5 p,m, on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase Two. Phase Two only start if data and indicators are in the right place.