Anna Stein Talks Rehabilitation & Reentry
NC Health News
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Over 600 individuals convened in Raleigh for the North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference. Among the attendees, one notable figure took a prominent seat: First Lady Anna Stein. The purpose of her presence soon became evident. Stein spoke to the audience, declaring rehabilitation and reentry as one of the three key issues she aims to prioritize during her husband Gov. Josh Stein’s administration.
“People who are incarcerated are truly the invisible of our society,” Stein told conference attendees. “I want to give them the message that I see them, and I want to hear what they have to say. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work alongside you,” she continued.
For advocates, Stein’s statements indicated that the new administration plans to not only maintain but also enhance the focus on bolstering support for individuals transitioning from incarceration, a commitment that began under former Gov. Roy Cooper in 2024.
North Carolina’s state prisons currently accommodate around 32,000 individuals, with thousands more in county jails. Approximately 95 percent of these individuals will eventually be released. However, many return to their communities lacking stable support — a deficiency that can swiftly undermine efforts to rebuild their lives and contribute to cycles of reincarceration, which is costly for taxpayers.
During the conference, Stein emphasized that North Carolina’s greatest asset is its people — including those reintegrating into society after serving time in jail or prison. Yet, she noted that stigma and various obstacles often hinder access to housing, employment, and education — all crucial for achieving long-term stability.
In an interview with NC Health News, Stein explained that her focus on reentry and rehabilitation — along with combating stigma surrounding substance use and mental health issues — was influenced by her experience from 2011 to 2024 as an attorney and policy adviser at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Her expertise included policies related to legal substances like tobacco and alcohol, as well as illegal drugs.
Credit: First Lady Anna Stein's Facebook