Dear Editor,
As the Greene County public health director, I would like to recognize Grow Greene County for their tremendous financial support, allowing us to address the health needs of our communities.
In the most recent community health needs assessment, Greene County residents identified a lack of affordable transportation for non-urgent medical appointments. Grow Greene County grant funding of $40,000 allowed us to purchase a vehicle to successfully roll out the Healthy Rides medical transportation program. With the assistance of volunteer drivers from our Medical Reserve Corps, free rides are available to the Greene County Medical Center and McFarland Clinic campuses and back home again. Additional financial support is provided by the Greene County Medical Center Foundation and Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging.
Members of the Grow Greene County board are dedicated to making a difference in the health and well-being of our residents, which closely aligns with our public health mission. During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the board offered $5,000 for the purchase of our portable “little red shed,” utilized for Greene County Family Medicine respiratory clinic, limiting potential COVID-19 exposure to other patients. The shed was also used by public health for drive-up vaccine clinics, protecting supplies and staff from weather elements, while serving patients.
Last spring, public health held COVID-19 vaccine mass clinics at the Wild Rose Casino ballroom, where over 1160 people were vaccinated in less than eight hours. Once again, Grow Greene County was there, providing “real-time” support by volunteering to assist in various roles during the clinics.
It “takes a village” and financial support to meet the health and socioeconomic needs of our communities. Grow Greene County dollars benefit us all.
Sincerely,
Becky Wolf, Greene County public health
