Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) students Anthony Barrett, Macy Daniels, Sean Kalawan, and Akilah Williams have accepted internships with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as part of the department’s Historically Black Colleges and Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program. This paid spring internship is being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act Public Health Workforce Development Initiative.

“One of our top priorities is building a strong and inclusive workforce, which starts with training the next generation of public health leaders,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Public health and human services are focused on making a difference in our communities and the world. We’re grateful these students are choosing to spend their time dedicated to making that difference with NCDHHS.”

Each student will be working on projects with the NCDHHS Division of Public Health. The internship will last 10 weeks and will include work in their assigned project area, seminars, presentation practice and an immersion event at the end of the internship experience.

“With this internship program, NCDHHS makes a crucial workforce investment and builds upon our strong partnership with North Carolina’s HBCUs and MSIs to engage students in learning firsthand about public health and human services careers,” said Angela Bryant, NCDHHS Assistant Secretary for Health Equity Portfolio. “NCDHHS and its Division of Public Health are excited Akilah has chosen to join 32 other students and recent graduates in making a difference for North Carolina residents through this internship.”

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The NC Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable citizens — children, elders, people with disabilities and families with low-incomes. The department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders, advocacy groups, local, state and federal entities and many other partners to make this happen. The department is divided into 33 divisions and offices. NCDHHS divisions and offices fall under six broad service areas — Health; Opportunity and Well-Being; Medicaid; Operational Excellence; Policy and Communications; and Health Equity. NCDHHS also oversees 14 facilities: developmental centers, neuro-medical treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers and two residential programs for children.