Ledford receives Governor’s Volunteer Service Award

Substance use and fatal overdoses have surged across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The increase has led to an added workload for volunteers such as Stacie Ledford, president of Rock Bottom Recovery, a Hayesville-based advocacy group that seeks to help those dealing with substance use issues. Ledford said she is contacted, on average, by more than 50 people each week looking for some type of help with substance use.

“We have witnessed a lot of relapses due to a disconnect from others as a result of COVID,” Ledford told the Clay County Board of Commissioners on May 6. “Connection is the missing link in addiction. We’re working hard, boots on the ground, to get people the resources they need.”

Ledford is now being honored for her efforts, receiving the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for Clay County during the commissioners’ May meeting.

“I want to tell you how proud I am, on behalf of the Clay County Board of Commissioners, to present you with the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for Clay

County,” Chairman Dr. Rob Peck said.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors people who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to the community through volunteer service.

Ledford said members of Rock Bottom Recovery have taken training in the use of Narcan — a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose — and have provided 400 doses of the spray to trap houses. One member of the organization has also received peer support certification in North Carolina, creating an opportunity to provide more one-on-one support.

Rock Bottom Recovery was able to return to the Clay County and Cherokee County detention centers three days per week near the end of March. That program includes a women’s ministry that Ledford facilitates herself, as well as a men’s ministry.

Ledford stressed the importance of not simply overcoming addiction, but of having a plan to move forward afterward.

“We want to get them a plan of action,” Ledford said. “Addiction is not just stopping drugs and alcohol. They have to have jobs, transportation and housing and we work in all these areas.”

Other notes from the Clay County Board of Commissioners meeting:

The board voted to renew the county’s Air Methods community partnership. Air Methods works with county emergency medical services to provide emergency air transport at no out-of-pocket cost. “It’s in the hundreds of patients that have benefitted from this service, and potential out-of-pocket cost saved is in the millions of dollars,” Marcus Lindsey of Air Methods – Air Life Georgia said of the benefits to Clay County.

Commissioner Scotty Penland recounted his own recent personal experience with the service. “Two weeks ago, my wife had a heart attack,” Penland said. “I got her to Union General and they said, ‘You’re in the middle of a heart attack; we’re going to airlift you to Gainesville.’ I just want everyone to know, this group is very professional and I thank you for it personally and for the citizens of this county.”

Todd Goins, Director of the Department of Social Services, told the board that the Family First Prevention Services Act, signed into law in 2018, goes into effect this year and will redirect money from foster care to the front end of services in an effort to keep kids from entering into foster care. While it is designed to provide new services on the front end, the county will lose the federal portion of reimbursement for kids in group homes.

Goins said the cost for one child in a Level 1 group home is more than $4,500 per month. The state and county currently pay $736 apiece per child, per month, while the federal share has been $3,044. Beginning October 1, the county could face a $1,522 increase per child, per month, for a total of $2,258 per month. That is an increase of more than $18,000 per year, per child.

The law will also affect social workers’ time and the reimbursement they get, which will also no longer be eligible for federal reimbursement. Goins said the county currently has four children in a group home, two of which are eligible for federal reimbursement. He said he plans to try to negotiate rates with group homes, and he is working hard to recruit more foster homes within Clay County.

Lorrie Ross represented Mountain Projects and informed the board about Hope4NC. The organization provides 24/7 support and resources for area families. The service provides a counselor who can provide mental health assistance or direct callers to other resources in their area. Hope4NC can be reached at (855) 587-3463.

Ross also discussed the Hope4Healers Helpline (919) 226-2002, which provides mental health and resilience support for healthcare professionals, emergency medical specialists, first responders, other staff who work in healthcare settings and their families throughout the state who are experiencing stress from being on the front lines of the state’s fight against COVID-19.