BUNCOMBE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, Fall 2022
The Site Visit Team found Buncombe County`s Strategic Plan and Community Health Assessment to be very comprehensive, utilizing the CHIP process and developed based on their values of respect, honesty, integrity, collaboration, and equity. The Community Health Assessment engaged more than 50 partners to include a large physician network, MAHEC and 18 counties, followed results-based accountability and ‘smart shot’ for reporting progress. Additionally, the Site Visit Team identified the department’s approach to equity to be very specific, beginning with a very thorough definition of equity. Efforts to reach populations that were considered historically marginalized, low income and rural during COVID vaccine distribution resulted in higher proportions of the Latinx population receiving vaccines as compared to the non-Hispanic population. Similar outreach efforts to provide Monkey Pox vaccines are currently underway.
HOKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, Winter 2023
The Site Visit Team identified the format of the Hoke County`s strategic plan as a best practice. The Site Visitors found the document easy to comprehend, informative, and visually appealing. Incorporating the
CHA results and obtaining community feedback on the strategic planning process through the survey was also highlighted as a best practice.
JONES COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, Winter 2023
The Site Visit Team identified Jones County’s participation in the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards as a best practice for addressing the prevention of foodborne illnesses. Participation in the voluntary program affords the department opportunities to apply for grants from the National Environmental Health Association. Jones County has received grant funding to improve the food inspection software currently used and employ a part-time data entry position, as well as funds to provide continuing education. Equally notable, Jones County only employs a part-time Environmental Health Program Coordinator