Juneteenth Freedom Festival

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. The day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.

All County offices will be closed Friday, June 17 in observance of Juneteenth. “Pausing for the holiday will help raise awareness about the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States,” the county wrote in a statement. “Formally recognizing Juneteenth is also a major step in acknowledging diversity and inclusion gaps we are actively seeking to address. Equity is one of Buncombe County’s primary core values, and Buncombe County is honored to commemorate this important date in history.”

The Juneteenth of Asheville Freedom Festival will take place 11am to 10pm on  Saturday, June 18, at Pack Square in Downtown Asheville. There will be a parade, vendors, food trucks, art, music, live performances, and so much more. We encourage you all to come out and enjoy the celebration!

Participate in the #WEAAD615 Challenge!

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day -- June 15 --  caps the end of World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, which runs each year from Mother's Day to Father's Day. Buncombe County Health and Human Services and community partners will host an in-person event on June 15th at Carrier Park. The event, which will run from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, will feature information about resources and services for older adults and caregivers. 

In addition to this fun event, you can join in on the #WEAAD615 challenge on your favorite social media platforms! Here is how to get in on the challenge: 

Post 6 facts about elder abuse, reply 1 thing you can do to prevent elder abuse, then tag 5 friends in your post. Don’t forget to use #WEAAD615! Here are some ready-to-use posts to get you started:

Choose 6 Facts About Elder Abuse:

• 1 in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced #ElderAbuse.
• #ElderAbuse is underreported.
• For every 1 case of #ElderAbuse reported, 44 cases are not.
• 1 in 14 cases of #ElderAbuse come to the attention of authorities.
• Lack of #CommunitySupports increases risk of abuse.
• Isolation is a risk factor of #ElderAbuse.
• The costs of #ElderAbuse are high for the affected individuals and society alike.
• #ElderAbuse reduces older people’s participation in the life of our communities.
• Abuse creates healthcare and legal costs, which are often shouldered by public programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
• #ElderAbuse costs survivors billions of dollars each year.
• The annual loss by survivors of #FinancialAbuse is estimated to be  between $2.6 billion and $36.5 billion.
• #ElderAbuse is associated with increased rates of hospitalization in the community population.

Choose 1 Thing You Can Do:

• Learn the signs of elder abuse and neglect.
• Learn how we can collectively solve the issue of elder abuse.
• Learn how we can all age well and reduce abuse with community programs and services.
• Spread the word with friends and family members.
• Spread the word about essential community supports like law enforcement, community centers, and public transportation
• Spread the word about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day #WEAAD
• Reach out and prevent isolation.
• Reach out to congregation leaders to give a talk about elder abuse.
• Call or visit older loved ones regularly.
• Provide respite breaks for caregivers.
• Learn more about #AdultProectiveServices and #LTCOmbudsmen
• Volunteer to be a friendly visitor.

Use #WEAAD615 and Tag 5 of Your Friends on Social Media! 

To learn more, look here, here, and here. 

If you are concerned that a friend, neighbor, or loved one is experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation, call Buncombe County Adult Protective Services (828) 250-5800 anytime, day or night. No appointment is needed.