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Health Care Agency May Close Rural Clinic
WAFF.com, July 7, 2003
It also has a health care clinic that may soon close. "The elderly people - we really need it - especially for
emergencies," Ruby White said. White and her husband have used the Paint Rock Valley Primary
Health Center for years. They've heard it may close. Now, the Whites and
others like Pat Harbin wonder what happens next. "They really do help me - especially when I have seizures. If
I need them all I got to do is call them and they'll be right there,"
Harbin said. From broken bones to bee stings, the income-based clinic treats
almost all minor emergencies. It's the closest source of health care for
many. Scottsboro and Huntsville are both thirty minutes away. According to some in this area, people drive from miles around to
use the clinic. But reportedly, the agency that controls the clinic says
it's simply not used enough. Northeast Alabama Health Services runs the clinic. They haven't
confirmed reports of a closure. However, they reportedly will issue a
statement soon. In the meantime, this community has put up signs and circulated
petitions that have already racked up hundreds of signatures. They're
hoping to bring Trenton together. A town that only has one place to go
when people are sick. "A lot of the families here are not only elderly, but
low-income. And this clinic is the first place they come - this is their
doctor. They can't afford anything else," Trenton resident Angela
Fuller said. Copyright © 2002 Global
Action on Aging |
