HHS Board

Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board Meeting Recap – June 26, 2026

On June 26, 2026, the Buncombe County Health and Human Services (HHS) Board convened to recognize departing leadership, discuss upcoming transitions within the department, and lay groundwork for future board roles. The meeting was marked by expressions of gratitude for long-serving staff and a focus on addressing emerging challenges facing the community. This recap provides an overview of key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents.

Recognizing Departing Leaders & Transitioning Roles: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring several departing leaders. Board Chair Dan received heartfelt thanks for eight years of service, and Greg was acknowledged for his dedication to the board. Notably, Philip Harding, Director of Economic Services, was recognized for an impressive 39 years of service across North Carolina and Georgia. Kimberly Fullerton will step in as interim director, ensuring a smooth transition within Economic Services. These changes highlight the ongoing evolution of HHS and its commitment to providing essential services to Buncombe County residents.

Board Leadership & Future Focus: The board initiated the process of nominating individuals for the Chair and Vice-Chair positions. Martha Salyers was nominated (and accepted) as a candidate for Chair, and Jennifer Horton will continue serving as Vice-Chair. A formal vote on these nominations will be held at the next meeting. Beyond leadership transitions, Jennifer Horton, the outgoing Chair, emphasized a growing concern: addressing "polarization" as a public health crisis. This signals a potential shift in focus for the board, moving beyond addressing racism to tackling broader societal divisions that impact community well-being.

Addressing Key Community Needs & Initiatives: Several committee updates highlighted ongoing efforts to address critical community needs. The Community Opportunity Committee is monitoring potential impacts of state legislation (H.R. 1 and adjustments to SNAP work requirements) on Medicaid and food assistance programs. The Economic Services Training Program received a prestigious "Best of Show" award from the National Association of Counties, recognizing its excellence. The Community Safety Committee is addressing staffing challenges within Social Work and planning for a weapons detection system at Forte Cox Avenue, while also noting positive feedback on the relocated Needles Exchange Program entrance. Finally, Victoria Reichert provided a detailed update on the opioid settlement funds – currently totaling over $9 million received with approximately $30 million expected through 2038. A strategic planning process involving over 1,100 residents (43% with lived experience of substance use) is underway to determine how these funds will be used to expand treatment, address root causes of substance use, and strengthen recovery support.

What's Next? Action Items & Important Dates: The HHS Board has several key action items moving forward:

• Appalachian Community Services: Will recruit and hire a supervisor for Riverview Group Home.
• Budget Monitoring: Finance will monitor state legislation (Senate Bill 899 and Senate Bill 474) to determine if budget adjustments are needed.
• Safety Enhancements: Planning continues for the lobby reconfiguration and weapons detection system at Forte Cox Avenue.
• Opioid Settlement Funds: Implementation of the strategic plan will continue, focusing on coordination and expanding access to treatment.
• Community Input: Residents are encouraged to participate in the opioid settlement fund survey by July 10th.
• Board Nominations: Board members are encouraged to consider nominating themselves or others for the Chair and Vice-Chair positions before the next meeting.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to both recognizing dedicated staff and proactively addressing evolving challenges facing Buncombe County. The board's focus on polarization, coupled with the ongoing strategic planning for opioid settlement funds, suggests a forward-thinking approach to improving community health and well-being. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these initiatives and participate in ongoing opportunities for input.