New Hanover County, N.C. - The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Board of Directors convened from May 16 to 18 under the leadership of the Association's 107th President and Burke County Commissioner Johnnie Carswell. Durham County Commissioner, and a past president of NCACC Brenda Howerton joined fellow members.

During the meeting, board members embarked on tours of The Healing Place of New Hanover County, a recovery housing facility providing programs for underserved adults with substance use disorders, with the aim of restoring them to healthy lives through various services. Additionally, board members visited The Harrelson Center, a nonprofit organization collaborating with others to address community needs, including safe and affordable housing, education, employment, healthcare and family support.

Presentations were delivered by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley, who discussed the gaps of the evolving state behavioral health system; Raleigh Police Officer and 2021 NCACC Friend of the Counties award recipient Hattie Gawande, who highlighted shortcomings within the current child welfare system model; and New Hanover District Attorney Ben David, who emphasized the need for implementation of trauma-informed approaches and practices in the judicial system for crime prevention.

Commissioner Howerton noted, "I always return from our NCACC Board meetings armed with the most impactful information on local county government priorities. It is my responsibility as a member of my Board of Commissioners to make sure Durham County is working cooperatively with other county governments to ensure our residents are benefiting from services that help improve their quality of life. It is an honor to have a seat at this table."

NCACC Director of Government Relations Amber Harris and NCACC Legislative Counsel Adam Pridemore presented an update on the legislative short session and the focus on budget adjustments. Main priorities of the session include school vouchers and program expansion, coronavirus-related funding, childcare funding, and teachers' and state employees' pay. Additionally, President Carswell provided an update to the board on his presidential initiative, "One More Thing (OMT)," which is focused on empowering North Carolina counties to invest opioid settlement dollars for the greatest impact. The OMT committee has convened twice since last board meeting and heard presentations from law enforcement, faith communities and peer support specialists on best practices to provide effective recovery services.

Editors

Print quality photos may be downloaded for use here. Photos should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of NCACC.

About the NCACC

The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues being considered by the General Assembly, Congress, and federal and state agencies. The Association provides expertise to counties in the areas of advocacy, research, risk management, and education and leadership training.