North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council - NC SILC

01/28/2026

❄️ Winter Storm Safety Alert for North Carolinians with Disabilities ❄️

Confidence continues to increase that an impactful winter storm will bring measurable snow to much of North Carolina this weekend. The North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (NC SILC) encourages people with disabilities, older adults, and those who support them to prepare now and take steps to stay safe and warm during this frigid weather.

✔️ Check your emergency supplies (medications, batteries, medical equipment backups)
✔️ Plan for possible power outages and transportation disruptions
✔️ Stay informed through trusted sources

📢 Eastern North Carolina residents should also monitor updates from the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City:
https://www.weather.gov/media/mhx/LatestBriefing.pdf

Please look out for yourself and your neighbors, especially those who may need extra support during severe winter weather.

Stay safe. Stay warm. 💙

01/27/2026

‼️THE NC STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK ON ACCESSING TRANSPORTATION

Have you completed the NC SILC Transportation Survey yet?

NC SILC encourages you to take a few minutes to share your perspective about accessing transportation —even if you don’t personally use public transportation. Your voice matters as a disability advocate, service provider, and community member.

We want to ensure that our data reflects diverse experiences and communities across North Carolina, including rural perspectives. The information we gather will be used to advocate for improved transportation options for people with disabilities across the state.

Please share this survey with your family, friends, colleagues, and community contacts. The more voices we hear, the stronger our advocacy will be. Thank you for helping us move this work forward!

Please take the survey and share with others:

🔗https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L5BYBBR

🗓Please share your perspective by January 31st.

If you are interested in joining the NC SILC Transportation Workgroup please contact Gloria Garton at 984-480-6328 or email at gloria.garton@nc-silc.org

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

01/27/2026

01/27/2026

⌛ Applications are due this Friday, Jan. 30: Over a dozen agencies across NC are hiring paid college interns through the 2026 State of North Carolina Internship Program — with roles for nearly every major and interest area.

🔗 to learn more & apply: https://www.doa.nc.gov/divisions/women-youth/state-internship-program

01/27/2026

🚍 Last Call: NC SILC Transportation Needs Assessment 🚍

Have you completed the NC SILC Transportation Survey yet?

We encourage you to take a few minutes to share your perspective—even if you don’t personally use public transportation. Your voice matters as a disability advocate, service provider, and community member.

We want to ensure that our data reflects diverse experiences and communities across North Carolina, including rural perspectives. The information we gather will be used to advocate for improved transportation options for people with disabilities across the state.

If you need any assistance completing the survey or require an alternative format, please call the NC SILC office at 984-480-6328 or email gloria.garton@nc-silc.org

Also, if you are interested in joining our Transportation Workgroup please email: gloria.garton@nc-silc.org.

Thank you for your participation.

🗓 Deadline: January 31
📝 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L5BYBBR

Please share this survey with your family, friends, colleagues, and community contacts. The more voices we hear, the stronger our advocacy will be. Thank you for helping us move this work forward! 💙

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

01/24/2026

Folks heading to an emergency shelter should bring essential items with them like medications, baby and child care items, food and water, personal items and more.

01/24/2026

It is with great sadness that we learned about the passing of Erin Bradford. Erin was a devoted advocate for the DeafBlind community. She was involved with the North Carolina DeafBlind Associates for many years. Erin served in various outreach projects and capacities on the Board of Directors, most recently as 2nd Vice President. Our condolences are with the family, friends and all whose lives were touched by her warm selfless service. 🤟

Link to obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cary-nc/erin-bradford-12687088

01/23/2026

**🌧️ NC DHHS Is Here for You During the Upcoming Storm 🌧️**

DMH/DD/SUS is committed to ensuring **care, connection, and continuity of support** for communities across North Carolina as we prepare for potential severe weather.

Please share this message widely with your networks, providers, community organizations, and social channels. Our message to every North Carolinian is simple and sincere: **we see you, we are here, and your safety and well-being matter.**

If you have questions or need assistance preparing, please contact your LME/MCO, county services, or reach out to the Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS-NC or 988, available anytime (available 24/7)

💙 Stay safe, stay warm, and know that we are with you every step of the way.

01/23/2026

NC Medicaid Temporary Winter Storm Flexibilities

Governor Josh Stein issued Executive Order No. 31 on Jan. 21, 2026, declaring a State of Emergency in anticipation of a severe winter storm. NC Medicaid is implementing temporary flexibilities to ensure beneficiaries have uninterrupted access to care. These apply to NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care.

Temporary Flexibilities Include:

• Early Prescription Refills: Beneficiaries may obtain early refills to prevent medication access disruptions.

• CAP/C and CAP/DA Emergency Planning: Case management entities must assist beneficiaries in activating emergency plans, updating severe weather kits, and completing Disaster Wellness reports in eCAP.

For full details, including plan contacts and guidance, refer to the full bulletin: NC Medicaid Temporary Flexibilities Due to Expected January Winter Storm

Effective January 23–26, 2026 (unless otherwise extended by NCDHHS)

01/23/2026

Do you have questions about the winter storm this weekend? Call by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162. Available 24/7/365 for free in multiple languages. You can also find information at nc211.org/news/. Stay safe!

01/23/2026

Emergencies can occur when you are at home, at work, on vacation, or just out and about. Are you prepared for an emergency no matter where you are?

01/23/2026

The Warming Shelter in Wilmington will reopen Saturday, Jan. 24, for a planned seven-night operation due to extreme cold temperatures and predicted freezing rain.