Taylor Knopf
@taylorknopf.bsky.social
Health care reporter covering mental health and substance use for North Carolina Health News. Mama to 2 little ones. Based in Raleigh. Reach me on Signal at username: TaylorKnopf.14
Read my work at: https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/author/tayknopf/
Read my work at: https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/author/tayknopf/
Pinned
Taylor Knopf
@taylorknopf.bsky.social
· Nov 26
Lessons from Abroad: How Europeans have tackled opioid addiction and what the U.S. could learn from them.
This award-winning series of stories reported in late 2018 explores how Switzerland, France and other European countries implemented drug policies and programs that have diminished their rates of opio...
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
In Nov 2018, I went on a reporting trip to learn about the tools the Swiss and French used to curb overdose deaths and support people using drugs.
Six years later, I want to share some photos and still applicable lessons. Full series here: www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/lessons-from...
Six years later, I want to share some photos and still applicable lessons. Full series here: www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/lessons-from...
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
A for-profit psychiatric hospital in Raleigh is expanding its services to military members and partnering with local police after a yearslong record of state and federal sanctions. At the same time, its parent company reports record profits. Full story ➡️ buff.ly/FCyxV4H
August 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
A for-profit psychiatric hospital in Raleigh is expanding its services to military members and partnering with local police after a yearslong record of state and federal sanctions. At the same time, its parent company reports record profits. Full story ➡️ buff.ly/FCyxV4H
Today we published part 2 of our investigative story on Holly Hill.
The for-profit psychiatric facility is expanding to serve more patients, including veterans, despite years of safety violations. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/21/d...
The for-profit psychiatric facility is expanding to serve more patients, including veterans, despite years of safety violations. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/21/d...
August 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Today we published part 2 of our investigative story on Holly Hill.
The for-profit psychiatric facility is expanding to serve more patients, including veterans, despite years of safety violations. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/21/d...
The for-profit psychiatric facility is expanding to serve more patients, including veterans, despite years of safety violations. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/21/d...
During a violent patient uprising, patients ripped down ceiling tiles, destroyed equipment & wielded syringes as weapons.
New report describes the chaos inside Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh and why regulators once again sanctioned the psych facility. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/18/h...
New report describes the chaos inside Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh and why regulators once again sanctioned the psych facility. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/18/h...
Holly Hill under scrutiny again: State finds repeated failures after violent patient uprising
A dangerous incident involving at least a dozen patients and employees at Raleigh’s Holly Hill Hospital late last year has reignited scrutiny of the for-profit psychiatric facility, which has a yearsl...
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
August 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
During a violent patient uprising, patients ripped down ceiling tiles, destroyed equipment & wielded syringes as weapons.
New report describes the chaos inside Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh and why regulators once again sanctioned the psych facility. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/18/h...
New report describes the chaos inside Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh and why regulators once again sanctioned the psych facility. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/18/h...
These grants were created after the Uvalde school shooting where 19 children were killed had huge bipartisan support.
Trump admin says they’re not in the best interest of the government.
Trump admin says they’re not in the best interest of the government.
Trump administration cancels millions in school mental health grants, four NC programs affected. Full story at www.nchealthnews.org #MentalHealth #Schools #Students #Kids #Trump
August 7, 2025 at 4:03 PM
These grants were created after the Uvalde school shooting where 19 children were killed had huge bipartisan support.
Trump admin says they’re not in the best interest of the government.
Trump admin says they’re not in the best interest of the government.
NEW REPORT: Disability Rights NC found that a legal tool used to hold psych patients against their will is frequently misused — violating patients’ rights & causing harm
It includes 30+ recommendations to fix NC’s broken involuntary commitment process www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/05/27/s...
It includes 30+ recommendations to fix NC’s broken involuntary commitment process www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/05/27/s...
Scathing new report details North Carolina’s involuntary commitment problem
Disability Rights NC spent a year investigating the state’s overuse of the legal procedure, which leaves patients locked up at a high cost with few rights.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
May 27, 2025 at 12:25 PM
NEW REPORT: Disability Rights NC found that a legal tool used to hold psych patients against their will is frequently misused — violating patients’ rights & causing harm
It includes 30+ recommendations to fix NC’s broken involuntary commitment process www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/05/27/s...
It includes 30+ recommendations to fix NC’s broken involuntary commitment process www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/05/27/s...
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
RFK Jr. ordered the NIH’s Integrated Research Facility in Frederick to stop all research on serious infectious diseases yesterday at 5:00 PM.
They study pathogens like Ebola there. You may be familiar with it from The Hot Zone.
www.wired.com/story/hhs-ni...
They study pathogens like Ebola there. You may be familiar with it from The Hot Zone.
www.wired.com/story/hhs-ni...
RFK Jr.'s HHS Orders Lab Studying Deadly Infectious Diseases to Stop Research
NIAID's Integrated Research Facility is one of the few federal facilities charged with studying Ebola. Tuesday afternoon, all of its work was put on indefinite pause by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s departm...
www.wired.com
April 30, 2025 at 10:45 PM
RFK Jr. ordered the NIH’s Integrated Research Facility in Frederick to stop all research on serious infectious diseases yesterday at 5:00 PM.
They study pathogens like Ebola there. You may be familiar with it from The Hot Zone.
www.wired.com/story/hhs-ni...
They study pathogens like Ebola there. You may be familiar with it from The Hot Zone.
www.wired.com/story/hhs-ni...
Honored to be recognized alongside the NYT for this award. These stories are the product of years of digging into NC's involuntary commitment practices, which often land mental health patients in facilities like Brynn Marr Hospital, where many say they are harmed instead of helped.
NPF also awarded @taylorknopf.bsky.social from @nchealthnews.bsky.social an honorable mention for her investigation into understaffing at a psychiatric hospital.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2024/05/06/f...
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2024/05/06/f...
April 29, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Honored to be recognized alongside the NYT for this award. These stories are the product of years of digging into NC's involuntary commitment practices, which often land mental health patients in facilities like Brynn Marr Hospital, where many say they are harmed instead of helped.
North Carolina has been opening mental health crisis centers and services around the state, diverting people who would have otherwise gone to the ER or jail. But will they be sustainable in the long-term? There are many unknowns right now.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/21/a...
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/21/a...
‘A Safe Place to Go’: New Alamance crisis hub provides free mental health services that keep people out of jails, ERs
The center offers walk-in behavioral health urgent care and a no-barriers peer living room and diverts people from jails and the ER.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
April 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM
North Carolina has been opening mental health crisis centers and services around the state, diverting people who would have otherwise gone to the ER or jail. But will they be sustainable in the long-term? There are many unknowns right now.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/21/a...
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/21/a...
North Carolina state senators propose cuts to mental health funds because they say communities are getting money from the national opioid settlements and don't need as much.
The settlement funds were never supposed to replace existing funding. #ncpol www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/18/n...
The settlement funds were never supposed to replace existing funding. #ncpol www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/18/n...
NC Senate budget plan filled with health care policy initiatives
Provisions in the senate budget would repeal NC’s hospital capacity regulation laws, trim vacant state jobs and increase child care subsidy rates.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
April 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
North Carolina state senators propose cuts to mental health funds because they say communities are getting money from the national opioid settlements and don't need as much.
The settlement funds were never supposed to replace existing funding. #ncpol www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/18/n...
The settlement funds were never supposed to replace existing funding. #ncpol www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/18/n...
free naloxone kiosks in Wilson County, North Carolina to prevent opioid overdoses www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/14/w...
Wilson County installs naloxone kiosks to fight opioid overdose deaths
Repurposed newspaper racks are giving residents free, discreet access to supplies that can reduce their risk of overdose and death.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
April 14, 2025 at 3:05 PM
free naloxone kiosks in Wilson County, North Carolina to prevent opioid overdoses www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/14/w...
After last week’s HHS cuts, N.C. advocates for the aging, domestic violence victims, substance users & more are struggling w/ uncertainty over the slashing of staff, blockages to funding streams and the delivery of care to the state’s most vulnerable. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/09/r...
RFK Jr.’s federal health department cuts sow confusion, uncertainty and fear in North Carolina
Federal workers, grant recipients worry as they await details of a restructuring plan promoted by US DHHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
April 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM
After last week’s HHS cuts, N.C. advocates for the aging, domestic violence victims, substance users & more are struggling w/ uncertainty over the slashing of staff, blockages to funding streams and the delivery of care to the state’s most vulnerable. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/09/r...
Are you a federal worker, contractor or recipient of federal funds in North Carolina who has been affected by recent cuts to the federal department of health and human services?
@nchealthnews.bsky.social wants to hear from you:
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/01/a...
@nchealthnews.bsky.social wants to hear from you:
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/01/a...
Are you in NC and affected by the federal DHHS, CDC cuts and restructuring?
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
April 8, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Are you a federal worker, contractor or recipient of federal funds in North Carolina who has been affected by recent cuts to the federal department of health and human services?
@nchealthnews.bsky.social wants to hear from you:
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/01/a...
@nchealthnews.bsky.social wants to hear from you:
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/04/01/a...
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
inbox: BILL CASSIDY and BERNIE SANDERS are jointly asking RFK Jr to testify on today’s health department cuts
April 1, 2025 at 7:28 PM
inbox: BILL CASSIDY and BERNIE SANDERS are jointly asking RFK Jr to testify on today’s health department cuts
Heard from a source at SAMHSA that they’re dismantling the department and Reduction in Force notices went out today.
Source says no supervisors were notified and there’s extra security in the building. They say all leaders at Center for Mental Health are gone except one.
Source says no supervisors were notified and there’s extra security in the building. They say all leaders at Center for Mental Health are gone except one.
April 1, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Heard from a source at SAMHSA that they’re dismantling the department and Reduction in Force notices went out today.
Source says no supervisors were notified and there’s extra security in the building. They say all leaders at Center for Mental Health are gone except one.
Source says no supervisors were notified and there’s extra security in the building. They say all leaders at Center for Mental Health are gone except one.
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
Hearing from all corners of HHS this morning about a total bloodletting — firings of scientists, analysts and many more as delayed RIFs take effect.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
April 1, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Hearing from all corners of HHS this morning about a total bloodletting — firings of scientists, analysts and many more as delayed RIFs take effect.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
#Breaking: HHS starts layoffs of thousands of workers across its agencies www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h...
HHS starts layoffs of thousands of workers across its agencies
Layoff notices began arriving early Tuesday for thousands of employees of HHS and its subsidiary agencies, with as many 10,000 workers potentially expected to be hit by the cuts.
www.statnews.com
April 1, 2025 at 1:17 PM
#Breaking: HHS starts layoffs of thousands of workers across its agencies www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h...
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
Breaking: RFK Jr. has forced out PETER MARKS, the nation’s top vaccine regulator.
In his resignation letter, obtained by the Post, Marks said he was willing to work with RFK Jr on his vaccine concerns — but said Kennedy wishes “subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”
In his resignation letter, obtained by the Post, Marks said he was willing to work with RFK Jr on his vaccine concerns — but said Kennedy wishes “subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”
RFK Jr. forces out Peter Marks, FDA’s top vaccine scientist
Marks, an architect of Operation Warp Speed, warned that a recent measles outbreak shows how confidence in science and public health is being “undermined.”
www.washingtonpost.com
March 29, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Breaking: RFK Jr. has forced out PETER MARKS, the nation’s top vaccine regulator.
In his resignation letter, obtained by the Post, Marks said he was willing to work with RFK Jr on his vaccine concerns — but said Kennedy wishes “subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”
In his resignation letter, obtained by the Post, Marks said he was willing to work with RFK Jr on his vaccine concerns — but said Kennedy wishes “subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
The high cost of clean creeks: Who should pay for the mounting litter problem?
March 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
The high cost of clean creeks: Who should pay for the mounting litter problem?
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
Vaccination eliminated measles from the U.S. 25 years ago. But it can still spread in pockets where vaccination rates are low, like the west Texas county with a current outbreak. Here's how fast.
As the Texas outbreak grows, how contagious is measles, really?
Vaccination eliminated measles from the U.S. 25 years ago. But it can still spread in pockets where vaccination rates are low, like the west Texas county with a current outbreak. Here's how fast.
www.npr.org
February 28, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Vaccination eliminated measles from the U.S. 25 years ago. But it can still spread in pockets where vaccination rates are low, like the west Texas county with a current outbreak. Here's how fast.
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
This not only eliminates much transparency for HHS, this democratic process was one small check against inappropriate use of executive powers that is now gone
Breaking: RFK Jr. moves to quietly eliminate public comment from HHS's decision making: www.statnews.com/2025/02/28/r...
RFK Jr. moves to eliminate public comment in HHS decisions
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved to rescind the longtime practice of giving the public a chance to comment on the health agency’s plans.
www.statnews.com
February 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
This not only eliminates much transparency for HHS, this democratic process was one small check against inappropriate use of executive powers that is now gone
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
Mental health crisis services are expanding in North Carolina. Here’s what they do and how to find them.
Taylor Knopf reports⤵️
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/02/25/a...
Taylor Knopf reports⤵️
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/02/25/a...
As more mental health crisis centers open across the state, here’s what you need to know
North Carolina's (mostly free) mental health crisis services are expanding. Here’s what they do and how to find them.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
February 25, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Mental health crisis services are expanding in North Carolina. Here’s what they do and how to find them.
Taylor Knopf reports⤵️
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/02/25/a...
Taylor Knopf reports⤵️
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/02/25/a...
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
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.
Rachel Crumpler reports ⤵️
buff.ly/3D67XQX
Rachel Crumpler reports ⤵️
buff.ly/3D67XQX
NC defendants with mental illness wait months in jail for court-ordered treatment
New treatment programs in jails and the community seek to reduce wait times and take a load off the state’s three psychiatric hospitals.
buff.ly
February 27, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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.
Rachel Crumpler reports ⤵️
buff.ly/3D67XQX
Rachel Crumpler reports ⤵️
buff.ly/3D67XQX
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
Massive encroachment by Bezos into The Washington Post’s opinion section - makes clear dissenting views will not be published
I still have not felt encroachment on my journalism on the news side, but if Bezos tries interfering with the news side I will be quitting immediately and letting you know
I still have not felt encroachment on my journalism on the news side, but if Bezos tries interfering with the news side I will be quitting immediately and letting you know
February 26, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Massive encroachment by Bezos into The Washington Post’s opinion section - makes clear dissenting views will not be published
I still have not felt encroachment on my journalism on the news side, but if Bezos tries interfering with the news side I will be quitting immediately and letting you know
I still have not felt encroachment on my journalism on the news side, but if Bezos tries interfering with the news side I will be quitting immediately and letting you know
Reposted by Taylor Knopf
Spreadsheet with data used in @nchealthnews.bsky.social analysis of federal program impact in North Carolina. Story also available for news outlets to republish; provides factual base for local reporting www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/wp-content/u... #HeadsUpNC #journalism #NCPol (2/3)
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
February 26, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Spreadsheet with data used in @nchealthnews.bsky.social analysis of federal program impact in North Carolina. Story also available for news outlets to republish; provides factual base for local reporting www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/wp-content/u... #HeadsUpNC #journalism #NCPol (2/3)