Buncombe County officials say they have new plans to conduct a health needs survey that failed to move forward as scheduled in April because of federal funding cuts.

County staff had prepared for months to conduct a post-Hurricane Helene health survey along with state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention crews, officials said in early April.

But as crews were set to begin, they found that employees providing support and expertise to conduct the survey were no longer employed after federal cuts earlier in the week.

County public health officials said Thursday in a news release that the door-to-door survey would go ahead June 4-6 through a combined effort by Buncombe Public Health, local fire departments and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The CDC's Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response survey is used to gather information to help focus responses to large-scale disasters. Questions include health needs, household demographics and access to resources.

“This survey helps us understand the needs of our community and is essential for emergency preparedness,” said Dr. Ellis Matheson, Buncombe public health director. “The CASPER survey will provide invaluable insights into how we can better support our residents now and in the future.”

County officials urged residents to participate, though they noted that it is voluntary and responses are anonymous.

The CASPER survey has been conducted over 30 times in North Carolina since 2001, especially in relation to hurricanes.