Annie Murrow, director of the county Department of Social Services, told the Consolidated Human Services Board that the agency has rolled out the state's PATH NC system and is continuing to adapt to the new software while meeting state requirements. "We are still learning the system. Things are going good, with any new programs. There are some hiccups here and there, but we are constantly having feedback with the state," Murrow said.
The agency said PATH NC went live for the county on July 14 and that the state expects all 100 counties to be operating on the system by the end of the fiscal year. Murrow said technical support was provided on-site at go-live.
Murrow also told commissioners the county has received $151,000 in state crisis funding intended to help residents with emergency needs, including difficulty paying electric bills. She said residents can apply over the phone, online, or in person and described the application as "a quick application process."
Murrow outlined an annual staff-led donation drive the agency runs each fall. "We have a Socktober drive. In the month of October, staff collects no-slip socks and throw blankets," Murrow said. Collections occur in September and donated items are distributed in November; this year the donations will go to the last nursing home in the county, and Murrow said the agency plans to start with assisted-living facilities next year.
The updates were presented as informational reports; no formal board action on the items was recorded in the transcript.