DHHS Board Ann Hoscheit, OD, Board Chair • Donald Klasing, MD, Vice Chair

Scott Beam • Robert Browne, PE • Kelvin Harris, MD • Anne Heilig, RN • Lee Isley, PharmD • Tom Keigher, County Commissioner

David Kneen, MSW • Stephanie Lowry, DMD • Charlie Martin • Regina Moody • Kim Moore, DVM • Ann Stodart Navarro, MA

Mickey Price, County Commissioner • Gina Ramsey, FNP-C • Joyce Smith, MSW • Edward Smith, PhD • Betty Hinton Worthy, MPH

The Power of One

On July 1, 2013, two agencies became one: the Gaston County Department of Health & Human Services. With this transition, we aimed to blend our prevention and intervention services to become a stronger, more efficient, and responsive organization.

In our first year we have seen significant changes. A new Customer Service Committee is identifying ways to improve staff/client relationships. We are building plans to integrate services so they are more accessible to our clients. Our DHHS Board is developing a strategic plan to guide us to even greater improvements in community health and wellbeing. And, we have long-term plans for maintaining and improving our facilities.

This report summarizes the work of our many programs and services in our first year. “The Power of One” theme reflects the ability of one organization to help thousands of individuals live healthier, safer, and more productive lives.

In reflecting on the past year, I wholeheartedly acknowledge our outstanding staff who adapted to this reorganization and constantly find ways to better serve our clients. I also extend thanks to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners whose careful planning led to this successful transition, and, to the DHHS Board whose leadership, vision, and creativity inspire our work. Finally, I’d like to give a special thank you to our many community partners, clients, and friends who have supported us along the way.

One awesome year down, and I expect many, many more to come.

Chris Dobbins, DHHS Director

For more information, please visit our website: www.gastonhhs.org

Public Health Division Fiscal Year 2014

Revenues—$16,044,695

Public Health Division Fiscal Year 2014

Expenditures—$16,044,695

girls served through Girls On the Run (GOTR) of participants received financial support

Youth served by Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs

boys served by new Let Me Run program

Providing education and programming to improve individual and community health

Education sessions with the Teen Health Advocate

Corner stores now offering healthier food options in low-income communities

Students received health lessons through 9 Summer Reading Camps

Onsite wastewater permits issued Permits issued for new water wells

Safety inspections by food, lodging, and institution staff

Dogs and cats receiving rabies vaccinations during 2 drive thru clinics

Protecting Gaston County from health risks in the built and natural environment

This financial and program information describes the 2013

Providing immunization, testing, treatment, and preventive clinical services to Gaston County

Individual clients served by DHHS clinical services

Babies delivered through the Maternal Health program

Over half of Gaston’s babies were delivered by DHHS

Served by case management & support programs

Vaccinations provided to protect against communicable diseases

Low-income women screened for breast and cervical cancer through BCCCP Program

Over 53 thousand medical visits through DHHS clinics

s

s

Providing an array of services to enhance the quality of lives of older and disabled adults

Meals served through Congregate and Home Delivered Meal Programs

Instances of individuals receiving Information & Referral Services

Caregivers receiving assistance & support

Persons receiving in-home aide services

Individuals enrolled in Adult Day Care

Adult Protective Services investigations

Amount collected by Child Support staff to support local families

Providing economic, medical, and employment-related support services to Gaston County residents

New individuals entering into paid work through Work First program

Intensive services provided through Workforce Investment Act

Funds collected through Overpayment Investigations

Medicaid applications processed by staff

Average number of individuals receiving Medicaid

Applications for Food & Nutrition Services

Average number of individuals receiving Food & Nutrition Services

Social Services Division Fiscal Year 2014

Revenues—$46,042,418

Social Services Division Fiscal Year 2014

Expenditures—$46,042,418

Children reunited with their parents/guardians

Adoptions finalized

New Foster Homes Licensed

Providing services necessary for the protection and wellbeing of Gaston children and families

Families found in need of case management services

investigations handled by DHHS staff

- 2014 Fiscal Year, from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

The Social Services Division implements its first Culture Survey, taking steps to improve internal and external customer service.

July Gaston County’s Health Department and Department of Social Services consolidate to form the Gaston County Department of

Health & Human Services (DHHS).

DHHS opens the doors to its new Immunizations & Clinical Services Clinic. Combining Immunizations, STD, Communicable Disease, Tuberculosis Control and the Gaston HIV Outreach Program leads to more accessible and efficient services.

August

April

September

October

November December

February

March

June

January

DHHS sponsors a Back-to-school immunization event offering free shots, screenings, and back packs

with school supplies.

DHHS wins the Glaxo-SmithKline Child Health Recognition Award for its work in Teen Pregnancy

Prevention.

DHHS staff kick off a month of United Way fundraising by walking over 15 miles to promote wellness and

community walkability.

The Shelter of Gaston County honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month through special events including a Domestic Violence March and the Remember My Name, Remember My Dreams Event.

Social Services staff work with Gaston Commissioners to recognize National Adoption Month through a

proclamation.

The Teen Wellness Center extends its Thursday hours to give teens more opportunities to receive care. This is one of many activities that contributed to a 12% decrease in teen pregnancies during 2013.

The Foster and Adoptions team help their foster parents and kids celebrate the holidays with a party and special visit from Santa.

An open house at the Highland Health Center presents the new renovations and demonstrates how DHHS is growing to better

serve the community.

DHHS staff give away more than 46,000 books to low-income children and families through the Literacy Builds Health project.

May