The Milam County Coalition consisting of Milam County government, the City of Rockdale and the City of Cameron, will now own a Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) thanks to donations from the six solar farms coming to Milam County.
“The QRV will be on alert all over Milam County to help out when AMR has no ambulance available during an emergency which happens, on average, five times per month. This vehicle will not transport patients but will be sent to 911 calls and assess whether an ambulance is required. They will have triage abilities if necessary,” according to Milam County Judge Steve Young.
Each of the six solar companies put in money totaling $180,000 and in Monday’s Commissioners Court, the vote was unanimous to accept the money for the QRV.
“The QRV will be bought, stocked with supplies and dispatched by AMR. It will be owned by The Coalition and it will move around the county as needed,” said Judge Young. “The QRV will only be used in Milam County and won’t be sent anywhere else. The donation also pays for a paramedic for a year.”
Several people were on hand Monday and spoke to the crowd.
Cameron Mayor Bill Harris said, “We are doing the best we can with the resources available. We all know there is a problem, and we are trying to fix it.”
Monty Humble, spokesman, in this instance, for all six solar companies told the audience, “It’s traditional for solar companies to be part of the community and contribute to the community, and we are happy to help with this project.”
Rockdale Mayor John King said, “I want to thank Mr. Humble and the solar farms for putting this together and I’m very hopeful it will help.”
Byron Sedlacek with AMR added, “AMR has been committed to Milam County for the past 17 years. It’s difficult in a rural setting and this is not a long-term solution but is a major step in the right direction.”
Milano Fire Chief Kain Dodd thanked the coalition and added, “None of this would have been possible without them.”
Rockdale Fire Chief Herbie Vaughn said, “For some reason Rockdale has been hammered hard with emergencies and the QRV will definitely help us do our jobs.”
Sedlacek added that, “Because of the pandemic both vehicles and emergency supplies are hard to get. I expect to have the QRV ready in 45 to 60 days.”
Telehealth
The most advanced telehealth station in America now has new programs available to residents.
Milam County officials, Texas A&M Health Science and OnMed announced over the weekend that they are adding new discounts and programs. The new programs include unlimited visits at a special discount price of $10 per month.
It was also unveiled that the station is now in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, meaning there will be no copay and unlimited visits for those on that insurance.
“The OnMed station is currently housed in the lobby of the Milam County Sheriff`s Office and is the most advanced telehealth station in the country and the world. It was furnished through a grant program that is seeking to find new answers to rural healthcare,” Judge Young said.
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