# HHS Board Meeting **Body:** Buncombe County Government — HHS Board **Date:** May 22, 2026 12:32 PM EDT (2026-05-22T12:32:51-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2834 ## Summary On May 22, 2026, the Buncombe County Health and Human Services (HHS) Board convened to discuss a wide range of critical issues impacting our community. The meeting covered everything from program updates and budget planning to accreditation readiness, demonstrating the Board's commitment to ensuring essential services are delivered effectively. This recap highlights key decisions, significant discussions, and what residents can expect moving forward. **Significant Decisions & Budgetary Concerns:** The Board approved several key items, including the annual Energy Outreach Plan and the minutes from the previous April meeting. However, a major focus of the discussion revolved around the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY28). A significant challenge lies ahead due to a reduction in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) revenue, impacting county costs and overall funding. The Board is actively exploring options to mitigate these impacts, including considering contracted staff for the energy program and integrating mobile team positions into clinic operations. They are also establishing a committee to review requests for allocation from the Purdue settlement funds, which currently show promising results in reducing fatal overdoses and increasing naloxone usage. Finally, a proposal to establish a vehicle pool for food and lodging staff was approved, aiming to improve equitable access and reliability. **Addressing Community Needs & Program Updates:** The Board received updates on several ongoing programs and initiatives. The Transformation Village, supporting mothers experiencing substance use and their children, will transition to the Opioid Settlement Fund for long-term sustainability. Efforts to strengthen partnerships with the Family Justice Center were highlighted, focusing on addressing intimate partner violence and elder justice issues. The Community Opportunity Committee is working to address the upcoming retirement of a division leader and seeking recommendations for a veteran service officer. A concerning issue identified was the need for funding to address bed bug treatment, with the Community Health Committee continuing to explore options. The Board also acknowledged and discussed historical disparities in restaurant inspection ratings based on business owner race, signaling a commitment to addressing equity within environmental health practices. **Navigating Bureaucratic Hurdles & Advocating for Change:** A recurring theme throughout the meeting was frustration with the state's NCFAST system, which hinders efficient application processes and limits integration possibilities with programs like NC Care 360. To address this, the Board approved a motion to advocate for a delay in the Farm Bill by sending a letter to state senators Tillis and Budd. Board members also expressed deep concern about the potential impact of SB 686 (Medicaid changes) on vulnerable populations. **What's Next & How You Can Get Involved:** Several action items emerged from the meeting. The Community Opportunity Committee will continue seeking recommendations for a veteran service officer, while the Community Health Committee remains focused on securing funding for bed bug treatment. Residents interested in participating in Beacon Group outreach efforts can contact Tracy Franklin at 250-5564. The Board encourages all members to review the newly presented "HHS Board Handbook" and familiarize themselves with the Teams resource site, which contains valuable historical documents. Finally, residents are encouraged to attend the public comment period this week and follow up on the Board of Commissioners’ final adoption vote on June 2nd. The Board is actively recruiting candidates to fill open positions, including physicians, psychiatrists, engineers, and community members. This meeting underscored the challenges facing our local health and human services system, particularly with shifting funding landscapes. The Board’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges and advocating for policy changes demonstrates their dedication to supporting the well-being of all Buncombe County residents. ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqDqF-yiDiM - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1924/segments - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1925/segments ## Sources - [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqDqF-yiDiM)