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McDowell County launches multidisciplinary team for vulnerable adults; DSS warns energy-crisis funds exhausted
Summary
Human Services reported a new multidisciplinary team to triage critical adult-protection cases and an upcoming state certification site visit for an adult day health program. Department of Social Services said LIHEAP funds of $274,950 were allocated for 2025–26 and that CIP emergency funds ($209,330) were exhausted as of June 1.
Sarah Brewer, representing the county Human Services office, told the Board of Commissioners the county has launched a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, emergency-services personnel, adult-protective services and community partners to meet monthly and triage complex cases involving vulnerable adults. "This is something new that we started that we're looking forward to," Brewer said, adding the group will bring cases forward and attempt to identify services and strategies the team alone cannot accomplish.
Brewer also said the county will host a state certification site visit for an adult day health program the department is helping to license. The board approved a standing MOU with the state Department of Health and Human Services related to adult services; the motion passed 4-0.
Donna Wilson, supervisor for emergency assistance programs at DSS, briefed the board on energy-assistance programs. She said the LIHEAP allocation for 2025–26 was $274,950 and that the county returned roughly $20,000 to the state because not all funds were used. "For the year 2025-2026, we received $274,950 for this program," Wilson said. Wilson added the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) allocation for 2025–26 was $209,330 and that the county had used all CIP funds as of June 1, leaving no emergency funds available until July 1 or shortly thereafter. She explained eligibility limits, benefit amounts and application methods and urged outreach through senior centers and community partners.
Commissioners asked about outreach options, use of senior centers and whether LIHEAP funds can be used for advertising; staff said they cannot spend LIHEAP funds on outreach or advertising but can coordinate with community partners and churches to increase program awareness.
