RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - The director of North Carolina's Area Heatlth Education Centers has been appointed to help the state's health agency work on Medicaid reform.

Dr. Warren Newton is also vice dean of the University of North Carolina, School of Medicine.

Dr. Newton will help the state put together a request for a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid reform as North Carolina pursues reform of the behemoth program that serves the poor, the elderly, and children.

“Dr. Newton’s depth of experience will be extremely valuable in helping shape this new health care delivery system,” said DHHS Secretary Rick Brajer in a statement. “He knows North Carolina and understands its needs. And, it’s this knowledge that will be so important as we implement a North Carolina-based solution.”