The Warren County Health Department and Warren County Government hosted a kick-off meeting on March 26th for the federal Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Impact Grant. Staff from the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition (WCSPC) who are leading this regional effort came to Warren County to introduce the program to local partners and to get their input on how the program can best be implemented here.

WCSPC staff in attendance were Jeff Wilson, Executive Director; Pamela Letchworth, Yolanda Outlaw, and Cordain Dancy.

Local partners participating in the meeting included representatives from Freedom House Recovery Center, Trillium Health Resources, Warrenton Church of God, Warren County Schools, Emergency Services, Health Department, Administration/Finance Office, Sheriff’s Office/Detention Center, Auger Communications, and Hope Restorative Solutions.

The Warren County Health Department is a Network member in the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition’s NEW3 Impact – Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Warren, Wayne – Project. NEW3 Impact will improve access to integrated, coordinated treatment and recovery services for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, in rural areas of Eastern North Carolina. NEW3 Impact supports HRSA’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Impact. 

The five counties taking part in this grant represent a diversity of sectors, including primary care, pharmacy, public health, workforce, local government, faith-based, law enforcement, tribal, and substance use. Collectively, 77% of Network members reside within HRSA-designated rural areas. As Network members, we will:

• Provide services exclusively in the target rural service areas of Warren County, Wilson County, Bailey Township (Nash County), Mount Olive/Brogden Township (Wayne County), and eastern/southeastern Edgecombe County. 
• Commit to regularly engage and visit the target rural service areas to demonstrate strong connections with the communities. 
• Participate in regular Network meetings, which will take place at least quarterly. 
• Coordinate with other Network members on NEW3 Impact activities. In addition to committing to NEW3 Impact activities we are individually responsible for as outlined in the work plan, we will work with all members to:
  • Distribute OneBoxes to increase access to emergency treatment.
  •  Distribute fentanyl and xylazine testing strips to address emerging threats.
• Participate in the RCORP Data Sharing Group, led by Pamela Letchworth, and share aggregate data for performance reporting to HRSA. 
• Develop approaches to ensure continuity of operations to minimize the impact of potential service disruptions such as staffing changes, clinician turnover, public health emergencies, and severe weather.
• Work together to develop a sustainability plan to maintain services after the project ends. 

The duration of the NEW3 Impact Project is 4 years. The total award is $2,997,556 and Warren County Health Department is expected to receive $600,000 over the life of this grant.

Warren County Government is inviting residents to help shape a new public art piece by voting for their favorite mural design.

The poll opens this Friday, April 4, during the Statewide Star Party and will determine the artwork that will adorn the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Center pool building. The mural will celebrate the history and legacy of Soul City, a pioneering planned community founded in the 1970s with a vision of Black empowerment and economic opportunity.

Residents can cast their votes online via the Warren County Government Facebook page or website, as well as in person at the Statewide Star Party on April 4 or at the Warren County Memorial Library. Voting will close on April 14, with the winning design announced via Facebook Live on April 17.

The mural is part of artist Max Dowdle’s Legacy NC project, an initiative aiming to create public murals in all 100 North Carolina counties. Each mural highlights local history and unsung heroes, weaving a visual narrative that connects communities across the state. The two designs up for consideration were developed through collaboration between Dowdle, a committee of Soul City residents and community leaders, and members of the Warren County arts community.

Beyond selecting the design, residents will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the mural’s creation. Community members are invited to take part in the painting process, further embedding local pride and participation into the project.

The Warren County Facebook page and website will soon have details on how to sign up for the painting experience.

On March 6, 2025, William E. Kearney II reached a significant milestone by graduating from the esteemed Excellence in Government Fellows Program.

“My inspiration to apply for the Excellence in Government Fellows Program comes from a deep-seated passion for public service and a desire to drive meaningful change within government institutions,” Kearney shared. “I was drawn to the program’s emphasis on leadership development, collaboration, and innovation, which align perfectly with my goals of enhancing my skills and contributing to effective governance.”

Throughout the 10-month fellowship through the Partnership for Public Service, Kearney engaged in intensive workshops, seminars, and hands-on projects addressing critical governmental challenges. Collaborating with a diverse cohort of fellows nationwide, he gained valuable insights into effective governance and policy implementation.

A proud native of Warrenton, North Carolina, Kearney is the son of Doris Kearney and the late William E. Kearney. His passion for public service began at Warren County High School, where he graduated in 2002. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Winston-Salem State University and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

Beyond academics, Kearney has exemplified leadership and dedication through his service as a United States Army veteran. His commitment to public service continues in his current role as a Lead Investigator for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, where he helps ensure the integrity and effectiveness of food assistance programs nationwide.

An active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Kearney remains dedicated to fostering community service and mentorship.

“Completing the program means a great deal to me,” Kearney reflected. “It signifies not only the achievement of personal and professional growth but also a commitment to serving my community with greater effectiveness. The knowledge, insights, and connections gained through the program equip me to address complex challenges in the public sector and inspire others to do the same. It reinforces my dedication to fostering a more responsive and accountable government that truly meets the needs of its citizens.”

With the expertise gained from the Excellence in Government Fellowship, Kearney is well-positioned to address pressing federal issues and advocate for policies that directly impact rural communities. His unwavering commitment to public service reflects his drive to create meaningful, lasting change.