Mental Health, Medicaid, and Missing Persons: Asheville Community Update 05/17/2025

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, May 17th, 2025. Today marks an important day for mental health awareness in our community as the annual NAMIWalks event takes place at Pack Square Park. Starting at 9 AM, this gathering aims to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental illness. The event will feature partner booths, music, speakers, and a community walk through downtown Asheville. There's no cost to participate, and organizers encourage attendees to create teams to help raise funds supporting NAMI's local work. In other news, Asheville police are investigating after a body was discovered on Thursday. A fisherman found the remains of an unidentified male near the intersection of Yorkshire Street and Reed Street. Police report that the body was partially covered by vegetation, but say there were no obvious signs of trauma. A medical examiner is working to determine the cause of death, and authorities assure residents there is no danger to the public at this time. For those looking to enjoy outdoor activities today, be aware that many Buncombe County Parks are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. County officials continue working to reopen parks as quickly as possible, though some remain closed or have limited access. Before heading out, it's recommended to check the county website for the latest updates on park conditions. Weather-wise, we're looking at a pleasant day with temperatures around 69 degrees, perfect for the NAMIWalks event. However, be prepared for significantly warmer conditions tomorrow, with Sunday's forecast showing temperatures climbing into the 80s. Several counties including Jackson, Graham, Macon, Haywood, and Swain were under weather advisories earlier this morning, so continue to stay weather-aware throughout the day. For those interested in supporting community health initiatives, today also features the March to Protect Medicaid event, occurring alongside the mental health awareness activities in downtown Asheville. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.