Secretary Dev Sangvai Travels to Western North Carolina

Avery County Distribution Center

Secretary Sangvai began his day in Avery County to help sort and pack donations for people impacted by the hurricane. A team from FEMA has been on site collecting and distributing donations including food, water and formula since November. 

Secretary Sangvai learned that while many of our out-of-state FEMA partners on the ground in western North Carolina live in areas impacted by the California wildfires, they remained in North Carolina to help with hurricane recovery. Thankfully, their homes and families are safe, and NCDHHS continues to be grateful for their ongoing dedication and support for our western communities.

Mitchell County DSS

Following the secretary’s work in Avery County, he traveled to the Mitchell County Department of Social Services to meet with staff and learn more about their recovery efforts. During Hurricane Helene, the county lost power and cell service, and essential roadways were impassable limiting travel and slowing communication. Even with limited resources, staff rallied during the storm and in the days following to manage a county shelter for residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed. Secretary Sangvai spoke with Mitchell County DSS Director Wendy Boone about the ongoing challenges in the county, including staffing and funding, and pledged his support to work together toward recovery and building resilience right now and in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

 

"I am committed to helping communities in every corner of western North Carolina as they work toward the long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact," said Secretary Sangvai. "From health care and medications to ensuring the millions of people impacted have access to child care, behavioral health resources, and other essential services to meet their basic needs, the department is working in western North Carolinians for the long-haul."

 

 

After his visit in Mitchell County, Secretary Sangvai traveled to meet with staff and leadership at Broughton Hospital, one of the three psychiatric hospitals operated by NCDHHS, which serves western North Carolina. The secretary toured a patient care unit, chapel and treatment area and learned more about the quality care patients received during Hurricane Helene and every day at the facility. 

Leadership shared their concerns regarding the long-term impact of staffing shortages on their ability to meet Broughton Hospital’s mission to be an exemplary environment of inpatient healing, hope and compassion for individuals with mental health needs. Currently, more than 300 positions are vacant at Broughton Hospital, which has already limited the number of patients the hospital is able to serve. 

Secretary Sangvai spoke of his priority to work with the North Carolina General Assembly to continue to strengthen the health care workforce, not only to improve current capacity but also to ensure NCDHHS’ state hospitals are a sustainable resource for the people they serve.  

 

"I am grateful to the thousands of people providing life-changing and in many cases life-saving care at our state hospitals and developmental centers," Secretary Sangvai said. "My experience as a family physician gives me a strong understanding of the critical roles state hospital workers play. I look forward to working together to boost the workforce with recruitment and retention efforts to give employees as well as patients the support and care they deserve."

 

Participates in Day of Service in Avery County, Meets with Staff at Mitchell County Department of Social Services and Tours Broughton Hospital in Burke County