Cabinet Leader Joins Governor’s Day of Service One Year After Devastating Storm
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai traveled to western North Carolina this week as part of a coordinated Cabinet effort to assess Hurricane Helene recovery progress and demonstrate continued state commitment to rebuilding efforts one year after the devastating storm.
The Secretary’s two-day visit, conducted in coordination with Governor Josh Stein and other Cabinet leaders, included meetings with county health and human services departments and participation in a volunteer Day of Service to support ongoing recovery initiatives.
Buncombe County Showcases Innovation in Crisis Response
Secretary Sangvai began his western North Carolina tour on Monday, September 15, with a visit to Buncombe County Health and Human Services, where he met with county leadership and staff to discuss both challenges and successes in the year following Hurricane Helene.
Buncombe County staff responded swiftly to the hurricane’s impact, serving as a vital resource for thousands of North Carolinians in the immediate aftermath. Over the past year, the county has continued collaborating with local and national organizations to provide essential services including hot meals, housing assistance, and community care centers.
During discussions with county leadership, Secretary Sangvai learned about Buncombe County’s innovative implementation of the evidence-based Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Team Model (START). The county has emerged as a state leader in this program, which is transforming lives for individuals struggling with substance use disorders across western North Carolina.
County leadership emphasized their dual priorities of maintaining a physically and psychologically safe workforce while building trauma-responsive, evidence-based services to meet community needs.
Hands-On Recovery Support Through MountainTrue Partnership
Following his county visit, Secretary Sangvai joined Governor Stein for an afternoon of volunteer work with MountainTrue, participating in waterway debris cleanup efforts. The environmental organization has served as a critical resource for waterway recovery throughout western North Carolina, dedicating staff and volunteers to clearing rivers and surrounding areas of storm debris in the hardest-hit regions.
“As we approach one-year since Hurricane Helene, the road to recovery is ongoing in western North Carolina and NCDHHS is committed to helping areas hit hardest now and in the months and years to come,” said Secretary Sangvai. “I am grateful for MountainTrue and their mission as together we are working to create safe and healthy communities.”
Lincoln County Faces Staffing Challenges Amid Federal Program Changes
Secretary Sangvai concluded his visit on Tuesday, September 16, in Lincolnton, where he met with leadership and staff at the Lincoln County Department of Social Services to discuss operational challenges and recent achievements.
Lincoln County DSS leadership expressed concerns about increasing caseloads and potential difficulties implementing upcoming federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP programs without additional staffing resources. The Secretary reinforced his commitment to strengthening the state’s health and human services workforce.
“I am committed to strengthening the health and human services workforce in North Carolina and supporting staff, so they have the resources they need to help the communities they serve,” said Secretary Sangvai. “The collaboration between State and County departments of social services is critical in creating vibrant, healthy and thriving communities across the state.”
Technology Improvements Enhance Child Welfare Services
During the Lincoln County visit, Director Matthew Hillman highlighted the county’s successful adoption of PATH NC, the state’s innovative information system. Child welfare staff praised the department’s responsive implementation of system improvements, noting how the technology has enhanced their daily operations and service delivery efficiency.
The technology upgrade represents part of broader efforts to modernize North Carolina’s social services infrastructure and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations across the state.
