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Podcast Episode

Policy in Action: North Carolina

Reach Out and Read··4 August 2026·28 min

About this episode

One might think that investing in programs that meaningfully support children, families, and early learning can't possibly survive the "red tape" of government bureaucracy. But when the right people with the right focus are involved, innovative and creative approaches can become a reality. This week, we talk to Dr Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr Elizabeth Erickson, Medical Director of Family Connect - Durham about North Carolina's use of federal Health Service Initiative funding to expand early literacy programming.