In 2025, the NCIOM deepened partnerships across the state, released new reports on children’s health, direct care workers, Veterans, and more, and we welcomed transition among our own team. As we look ahead, we are filled with anticipation and hope. In 2026, we will welcome a new class of Legislative Health Policy Fellows, release a final report from our Task Force on Veterans’ Health, and we will continue to research and report on pressing health policy issues across our state.
At the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, our mission has always been clear: to bring people together across sectors to identify evidence-based policy solutions that strengthen the health and well-being of our state. We serve as a convener, a trusted source of analysis, and a collaborator committed to building a healthier North Carolina for all.
2025 brought meaningful progress and deepened partnerships across the state. In partnership with NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services and AARP NC, we launched the Task Force on Veterans’ Health, which focuses on improving the provision and navigation of care for Veterans. Together with NC Child, we released the 2025 Child Health Report Card and co-hosted the State of the Child Summit, elevating the needs and strengths of North Carolina’s children. We partnered with the NC Center on the Workforce for Health to foster discussion and analysis to inform the direct care workforce and nurse retention. We also published major reports on children and families and opioid research—each offering actionable insights for policymakers and communities.
We also launched a new issue brief series to help leaders navigate a rapidly shifting policy landscape, addressing the ways that the goals identified in Healthy North Carolina 2030 may be impacted by federal and state policy change. And throughout the year, we gathered partners for a range of important convenings:
• A statewide nursing reconvening
• The kickoff of our Task Force on Veterans’ Health
• The NCMJ Symposium
• Our 2025 Annual Meeting
Each event reminded us of the power of shared purpose, the importance of collaboration, and the generosity of expertise that you bring to this work.