Rebecca, reporting for the community safety subgroup, told the Health & Human Services Board that the state offered Buncombe County an additional $200,000 in essential services funding designated after Hurricane Helene. The board previously approved allocating the award so county social workers can make direct payments to help families maintain child safety or to support older or disabled adults.

Rebecca said $150,000 of the $200,000 will be used for rent, utilities, transportation and basic needs identified by social workers in the field. “That will go directly toward those clients’ needs,” she said, calling the funding an example of addressing social determinants of health.

Rebecca also provided program updates: the Child and Family Specialty Plan (CFSP) is scheduled to go live Dec. 1, and staff are completing case-staffing and data comparisons to ensure a smooth transition to Healthy Blue Care Together. She highlighted a county holiday-wishes program for foster youth and older adults; staff and a partnering nonprofit (HARC) raised about $20,000 at a recent barbecue fundraiser to support that program.

What’s next: Rebecca said teams will continue implementation steps for CFSP with Healthy Blue Care Together staff and will begin spending the awarded funds according to commissioner-approved guidance.