NC Health News wins 10 awards in state press contest

July 22, 2026 - 10:35

The news organization's staff brought home a strong showing in this year's state press contest, earning three first-place awards, two second-place honors, and five third-place recognitions. The annual competition, which draws entries from media outlets across the state, highlighted the team's work across multiple categories.

First-place wins included recognition for investigative reporting, feature writing, and public service journalism. The judges praised the depth and impact of the coverage, noting that the stories addressed critical issues affecting North Carolina communities. Second-place awards were given for health policy reporting and breaking news coverage, while the third-place nods spanned areas such as photography, editorial writing, and multimedia storytelling.

The organization has consistently focused on in-depth reporting on healthcare access, rural health disparities, and policy changes. This year's awards reflect a continued commitment to holding institutions accountable and informing the public on complex health topics. Staff members expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the work is driven by a mission to serve readers across the state. The contest results underscore the value of independent journalism in covering issues that directly impact people's lives.