Via Health tells commissioners of $350,000 startup support for Alexander County Resource Center hub

Via Health Regional Director Zach Shepard updated the Board of Commissioners about state and local developments in rural health and announced a local partnership to fund a community support hub.

Shepard summarized the federal Rural Health Transformation program (described as $50 billion over five years nationally and initial North Carolina funding of about $100 million in the first year) and said Via Health has applied to serve as a hub organization in the state program. He then described a local partnership with the Alexander County Resource Center. "Via has allocated $350,000 in startup funds to get this project up and running," Shepard said, describing planned hub services that include peer support, food insecurity assistance, harm-reduction services, hygiene products, and case management and referral.

Commissioners discussed the state budget outlook and sustainability concerns for programs that may see reductions in state funding. Shepard noted that future sustainability depends on identifying billable services and other revenue streams to maintain the hub after start-up funding is spent.

The board thanked Shepard for the update and expressed interest in how state-level budget discussions will affect local program funding and operations.