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A variety of medical issues a concern in Tuscola County
Mary Drier
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:37:47 EDT
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Over the last few weeks there have been a variety of medical issues discussed during Tuscola County Commissioners' meeting.
The first medical related meeting was when the county's Medical Examiner, Dr. William Morrone, of Capitol Toxicology of Bay City provided an annual review of the cases in the county. Besides reporting the standard facts, figures and statistics, Morrone pointed out there is a health and safety issue in part of the county when it comes to medical services.
"There is a medical desert in the Millington Area," said Morrone, noting there is a glut of medical services in the Caro area.
Over the last few years, McLaren opened a new medical complex in Caro along with several doctors. Also, Hills and Dales Healthcare, which is now called Aspire - Rural Health Systems, has also opened several offices in the greater Caro area as well.
The information sparked the interest of McLaren officials, according to District #4 Commissioner Bill Lutz, who represents Arbela, Millington, Tuscola, and Watertown. According to Lutz, McLaren has found 23 acres in that area that could be developed for medical services, and they are looking at expanding.
Then, at the July 8 commissioners meeting some members of the Juanita Township Board of Trustees attended to voice their concerns about MMR (Mobile Medical Response) ambulance coverage and the increasing cost for its service. The township's Supervisor Lisa Geiger and Township Trustee Chuck Langevin explained their concerns about the cost of ambulance service as "it is too much for our township" to handle the expense. In order to keep pace with rising medical costs, 24/7 staffing, and aging equipment, an increase is needed in order for MMR to provide ambulance coverage.
MMR representatives Eric Snidersich and Adam Bellor also attended the meeting to give their side of why the cost of services are increasing. They both noted a significant increase is necessary, and noted it is the first increase that has been requested in 30 years.
During the height of the COVID pandemic, MMR had to reduce hours of service due to staffing and safety matters. During the pandemic crisis, there was talk about going for a countywide millage to support ambulance services, but that suggestion fell by the wayside.
There are MMR ambulance bases in Caro, Fairgrove, Cass City, and Vassar. Also, there are independent ambulance services in Unionville, Mayville, and Millington.
During his presentation, Morrone said he is concerned about the lack of medical facilities in southern Tuscola County.
