Trellis Health Resources tells Gates County it serves 46 counties; local DSS director lauded as he departs
May 21, 2026 | Gates County, North Carolina
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The board received an annual report Tuesday from Trellis Health Resources (referred to in the meeting as Trillium/Trellis), the public behavioral‑health plan that manages Medicaid‑tailored care for individuals with severe mental‑health, substance‑use and developmental needs.
"We now serve 46 counties," Bobby Lowe, the regional vice president, told the commissioners, and she provided regional enrollment figures and a summary of local services: Tailored Plan enrollment counts, mobile clinic visits in Gates County, re‑entry simulations for people leaving jail, school‑based trainings on substance use and a distribution of Narcan through the sheriff's office. Lowe said Gates County has strong local engagement and representation on advisory boards and noted the county will need to appoint a replacement to the regional board after Willie Smith's departure.
Earlier in the meeting commissioners presented Willie R. Smith III with a Gates County Certificate of Distinguished Service recognizing five years as director of the Gates County Department of Social Services. In brief remarks, Smith described a pivot from a canceled June 29 community farmers market to a farmer‑spotlight event and said the department will provide $10–$20 vouchers for FNS or Medicaid recipients who pre‑register to use with participating vendors.
Lowe said Trellis has emphasized staying locally connected despite covering many counties and described partnerships with community providers and regional advisory boards. She also outlined a mix of Medicaid‑funded services and county/ABC‑funded "Thrive Local" programs that supported substance‑use prevention, school trainings and non‑Medicaid care totaling roughly $60,000 last fiscal year for Gates County.
The board thanked Smith for his service and wished him well in his next role. Trellis indicated staff will send details about board vacancies and opportunities for a consumer/family advisory committee appointment.
"We now serve 46 counties," Bobby Lowe, the regional vice president, told the commissioners, and she provided regional enrollment figures and a summary of local services: Tailored Plan enrollment counts, mobile clinic visits in Gates County, re‑entry simulations for people leaving jail, school‑based trainings on substance use and a distribution of Narcan through the sheriff's office. Lowe said Gates County has strong local engagement and representation on advisory boards and noted the county will need to appoint a replacement to the regional board after Willie Smith's departure.
Earlier in the meeting commissioners presented Willie R. Smith III with a Gates County Certificate of Distinguished Service recognizing five years as director of the Gates County Department of Social Services. In brief remarks, Smith described a pivot from a canceled June 29 community farmers market to a farmer‑spotlight event and said the department will provide $10–$20 vouchers for FNS or Medicaid recipients who pre‑register to use with participating vendors.
Lowe said Trellis has emphasized staying locally connected despite covering many counties and described partnerships with community providers and regional advisory boards. She also outlined a mix of Medicaid‑funded services and county/ABC‑funded "Thrive Local" programs that supported substance‑use prevention, school trainings and non‑Medicaid care totaling roughly $60,000 last fiscal year for Gates County.
The board thanked Smith for his service and wished him well in his next role. Trellis indicated staff will send details about board vacancies and opportunities for a consumer/family advisory committee appointment.
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