Rachel Crumpler/NC Health News

When federal health officials announced late last month what top officials called a "dramatic restructuring" of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the department’s secretary, claimed: "Over time, bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants. This overhaul will be a win-win for taxpayers and for those that HHS serves."

Some accused of crimes need mental health treatment to go to trial; new treatment programs in jails and the community seek to reduce wait times and take a load off the state’s three psychiatric hospitals.

New policies limiting transgender rights — including restricting access to gender-affirming care — add emotional and mental strain to transgender youth and their families.

A federal lawsuit is at the center of claims that the state is putting teenagers in solitary confinement, despite its demonstrated harm. State officials deny the claims but cite strains in the juvenile justice system.

Prison advocate groups call for the release of nearly 2,000 incarcerated people to ease overcrowding, improve conditions after the temporary closure of four western North Carolina prisons.

Pregnant and newly postpartum women found themselves displaced by Helene — confronting canceled appointments, reworked birth plans and the loss of their belongings.

The only abortion clinic in the region is temporarily closed due to damage from Helene, requiring abortion seekers in western North Carolina to travel farther for care and incur more costs.

Hospital staff work through communication disruptions, water system failures and their own storm-induced uncertainty to keep caring for patients.

Increased restrictions have ushered in a new landscape of care with patients navigating more logistical hurdles and travel. Abortion providers have reworked operations to comply with the new law.

Time spent in prison and jail often worsens mental health. Researchers and advocates say more data and transparency is needed to better understand and reduce in-custody suicides.