HHS Board Meeting | 1.23.26

Buncombe County HHS Board Meeting Recap: January 28, 2026

The Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Board convened on January 28, 2026, for a meeting focused on critical community needs and ongoing initiatives. The meeting was well-attended by board members, committee representatives, and HHS staff, with discussions centered around storm preparedness, a measles outbreak response, and improvements to board governance.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the ongoing measles outbreak in Buncombe County. Currently, six confirmed cases have been identified, with public exposure occurring at Mission Hospital Emergency Department and a Food Lion in Candler. Board members received detailed updates on the state’s measles dashboard, potential for further cases, and ongoing vaccination efforts. The board acknowledged the importance of community outreach and praised the collaborative approach involving schools, businesses, and faith leaders to promote vaccination.

Beyond the measles response, a major focus was placed on preparing for an impending winter storm. Director David outlined comprehensive plans including the activation of three shelters (Hearts with Hands in Swannanoa, Reuters Family Y on Long Shoals Road, and Irwin High School), staffing arrangements, generator installations, and partnerships with organizations to accommodate those needing relocation. He strongly emphasized the importance of residents taking personal responsibility, encouraging them to shelter in place and maintain a three-day supply of essentials due to potential challenges receiving external assistance. Martha, reporting from the Community Opportunity & Benefits Committee, highlighted the commendably low error rate in SNAP application processing and discussed a potential partnership with ABCCM to expand eligibility worker outreach.

The board also took several key decisions during the meeting. The agenda and minutes from November and December were unanimously approved, demonstrating a commitment to transparent governance. A vote was taken to move forward with the renomination of Eli Tilly for a community at large position on the board. Finally, a proposal to standardize the process for evaluating potential board candidates was introduced and will be further discussed at next month’s meeting. This new process, which includes five key interview questions, aims to ensure a consistent and fair evaluation of all candidates.

While there were no direct public comments during the meeting, board members actively engaged in discussions and asked clarifying questions about the reports presented. This demonstrated their commitment to understanding community concerns and ensuring informed decision-making.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The immediate priority is continued preparation for the winter storm, ensuring adequate shelter staffing and clear communication with residents. Ongoing monitoring of the measles outbreak remains crucial, along with continued public health information dissemination and vaccination promotion efforts. The standardized candidate evaluation process will be revisited at the next board meeting, and recruitment for an open engineer position on the board continues.

This HHS Board meeting highlighted the dedication of county staff and board members to addressing critical community needs. Residents can expect ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the upcoming storm and contain the measles outbreak, alongside improvements to board governance that will ensure a fair and consistent process for selecting future board members. The emphasis on self-reliance during the storm underscores the importance of residents taking proactive steps to ensure their safety and well-being.