Haywood County -- Tracking the well-being of a community is an ongoing mission, and this week, Haywood County officials provided a fresh look at the hurdles and highlights facing local residents. The release of the 2026 Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and the State of the County Health (SOTCH) report provides a data-driven "check-up" for the region, a process that occurs annually to ensure local leaders and non-profits are targeting the right issues.
A Yearly Commitment to Clarity
Public health isn't static. Each year, the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), in partnership with organizations like Healthy Haywood and the WNC Health Network, compiles these reports. While a comprehensive "Community Health Assessment" (CHA) is conducted every three years, the "SOTCH" reports serve as vital annual "bridge" updates.
These documents are more than just statistics; they are the primary tools used by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners and local foundations to allocate funding, apply for grants, and develop programs for the coming year.
Key Findings from the 2026 Report
The data released this March highlights several persistent challenges, particularly regarding the "Social Determinants of Health"—the economic factors that dictate how long and how well people live.
The "Living Income" Gap: One of the most striking sections of the 2026 report emphasizes that the federal poverty level does not reflect the actual cost of living in Haywood County.
Childhood Poverty: While some economic markers have improved, the poverty rate for children under age 5 in the county remains a critical concern at 33.4%.
Mental Health and Substance Use: These remain the top two health priorities for the 2024–2026 cycle. According to the data, 22.8% of residents reported being unable to access necessary mental health care or counseling in the past year, often due to cost or a shortage of providers.
Substance Use Impact: A staggering 58.3% of Haywood residents reported that their lives have been negatively impacted by substance use, underscoring the ongoing need for recovery and prevention resources.
Looking Forward: A Community Effort
The data from these reports is already being put to use. A special budget work session is scheduled for March 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the HHSA building in Clyde to discuss how these findings will influence county spending for the next fiscal year. Additionally, a public hearing regarding a potential new hospice home care agency for the county is set for April 17 at the Waynesville Library.
Residents interested in reading the full data sets can find them at the Public Health Services Division at 157 Paragon Parkway in Clyde or online through the Healthy Haywood website.