County to purchase van for public health
Nov. 1—Union County Board of Supervisors approved using $72,266 of its remaining American Rescue Act funds to purchase a van for public health. Public health director Zach Woods made the proposal earlier in October as the van would assist transportation with certain people and movement of needed supplies.
"Back in April we starting tracking patients that specifically identify a transportation issue why they missed an appointment and it may be a crucial follow up appointment," Woods said. He said 35 people matched that, but speculated there may be more than that amount.
Some people have said a lab draw appointment may not fit other the schedule of transportation services.
"That happens more often than you think," he said.
Another issue is someone who was diagnosed with an infectious disease at the hospital may not have reliable transportation to return home. "This van would help solve some of that," Woods said.
Woods said Greater Regional Health's emergency department may have a way to get patients to the hospital, but not transportation home or elsewhere when finished.
"The ambulance is not really a taxi cab ride," Woods said. "We are looking at multiple needs."
Supervisor Rick Friday said he was told by a resident Crossroads mental health service has a patient transportation van. Woods said he would consider discussing the use of their vehicle with Crossroads but there will still be a gap with those lacking transportation to health services.
American Rescue Act funds were approved by the federal government for local government entities to use to recoup revenue loses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Union County was awarded about $2.3 million and had $363,000 remaining before the van purchase.
The approved bid was for a 2022 Chrysler Voyager van from Hoglund Bus Company in Marshalltown. The van has been deigned to allow those in wheelchairs to ride. The interior has low maintenance. Friday asked about who would drive the van and Woods said Greater Regional Health will help. Woods said a chauffer license will be needed. He expects the van to be used multiple times during the week. Woods said a criteria will be used to determine who can be transported.
In other supervisor news...
Union County Environmental Health Specialist Amanda Husband requested $68,000 of the funding for GeoPermits for the county. Those needing a certain permit would be able to apply for those online. Supervisors did not take action on the request as they asked Husband for further research and information.
