Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
KENANSVILLE — County commissioners received largely positive updates from Social Services and Health Department leaders on Monday, with both agencies reporting clean audits, strong financial positions and ongoing efforts to meet community needs during the Consolidated Human Services meeting.
Department of Social Services Director Annie Murrell reported that the agency met all state performance standards for December.
Murrell also highlighted the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LEAP, which opened applications to the general public on Jan. 2.
“This program assists with providing funds towards household heating,” she said, noting applications will be accepted through March 31 or until funds are exhausted. The agency is currently processing an average of 30 applications per day.
Murrell also shared positive audit results, noting that the county’s single audit conducted in November resulted in no findings. She added that staff retention remains key to continued success.
“As long as we can, in my opinion, retain at least 80% of those Medicaid staff or any staff in any unit, the program will continue to flourish and grow,” said Murrell.
She said DSS continues to focus on workforce development through agencywide training in CPR, de-escalation and customer service. DSS currently has about 14–15 vacant positions.
Health Director Tracey Simmons-Kornegay provided an update on seasonal illness trends. She said influenza A cases increased across eastern North Carolina in December but have recently declined.
“It was great to get the report today that shows that we’ve now started on a decline,” she said. However, she noted the county’s first flu-related death of the season, involving a 74-year-old resident.
Simmons-Kornegay also addressed emerging public health concerns, noting a measles case reported on Dec. 31 in Polk County involving an unvaccinated child, which is linked to a larger outbreak in South Carolina.
Simmons-Kornegay said the Health Department remains in strong financial condition, with 67% of its budget remaining as of Nov. 30 and 58% of the fiscal year left. A December audit resulted in no findings, and additional program audits are scheduled for March. The department’s accreditation site visit is set for Feb. 25 and will require the participation of two commissioners.
She also shared statewide news impacting local health services.
“The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare recently approved North Carolina’s application for Rural Health Transformation Program,” Simmons-Kornegay said. The program is expected to bring $213 million in its first year to support rural health systems in 85 counties, including Duplin.
In addition, she highlighted the department’s annual holiday outreach effort — the annual Christmas Food Drive and Resource Event, which served nearly 400 families in December with the help of local partners.
Simmons-Kornegay concluded her report with an update on job opportunities at the Health Department, indicating that the department is interviewing candidates and has made contingent offers for several non-clinical vacancies.
“We do have about three clinical positions that we are receiving very limited to no applicants for,” said Simmons-Kornegay.
The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2.
