Miss Shaw University 2025-2026 Vanaia Diggs Accepts Internship with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Vanaia Diggs, a Shaw University senior, has accepted an internship with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) as part of the department’s Experiential Learning & Opportunity Internship Program (ELOIP).

“This internship program offers a unique opportunity for those wishing to learn more about the critical role government agencies play in the health and well-being of all North Carolinians,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “The young professionals joining our team represent the future healthcare workforce and bring creativity and a fresh perspective towards solving some of our biggest challenges.”

Vanaia is working on a project with NCDHHS’ Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. The internship lasts 10 weeks and will incorporate experiential and project-based learning styles assigned to the project area. The internship will increase the intern’s skills, such as problem solving, collaboration, organization, data analysis, and project management among others and offer seminars.

The ELOIP is a paid fall internship and a component of the department’s workforce development initiative to provide for the growing number of residents in North Carolina by increasing the number of professionals that support the state’s systems of care, including health educators, social workers, nurses, environmental health, management and leadership, health promotion, behavioral health and other areas in human services. NCDHHS manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable citizens — children, elderly people, people with disabilities and families with low-income. 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, External Affairs, and Licensing and Facilities. NCDHHS also oversees 13 state-operated healthcare facilities, including: developmental centers, neuro-medical treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers and two residential programs for children.