Stegall approached the Delta County Commissioners Court Monday morning prepared to meet the needs of the County.
Michelle Carter, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, along with her team gave a thorough recap of everything the local Cooper clinic offers. With the Physician Assistant Scott Stegall, who has over 20 years of medical experience, one registered nurse, and two medical assistants the clinic had 3,105 patient visits for 1,466 patients in 2014. The clinic, which opened its doors in 2008, offers general primary medical care, women’s health/family planning, laboratory services, pediatrics, care coordination, after hours answering service, basic behavioral health, class d pharmacy, outreach and enrollment assistance, translation services, health education and social services.
“We want to make sure the County knows of our availability,” said CEO Michelle Carter. “We provide care to everyone who walks through the door,” as she noted the various insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP and sliding fee scales for self-pay they accept. Stegall has been providing care in Cooper for just over a year and half.
“We want to meet the needs for the County now and in the future,” added Carter, extending collaboration opportunities for the Indigent Care Program, Jail Inmate Healthcare and flexibility for County employees as a primary care provider. The Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center – which means it is a locally owned, non-profit public entity operated by the community to provide high-quality, affordable care and preventative services.
Agency was established in 1977 in Greenville. Today they have seven medical clinics and one dental clinic serving five medically underserved counties and employing 140.
“We are here to respond to the community-based healthcare needs while driving economic development,” said Carter. According to the statistics provided, statewide economic impact of community health center business activities is approximately $1.3 billion.
“We want to reduce the need for Emergency Room visits by caring for the patients in the clinic first and producing a significant savings for taxpayers,” added Stegall.
Delta County Judge Jason Murray said, “They are here and can provide for us. We need to work together.” Delta County Sheriff Ricky Smith hopes to work out more details on set co-pays for County employees.
During Sheriff Smith’s report he stated the Jail population to be at 10.
Margaret Chessher was nominated to the Emergency Services District Board replacing Jimmy Waters.
The County decided on Saturday, April 18-Sunday, April 26 as the County-wide Cleanup Week. Dumpsters will be available at each of the Precinct Barns. No tires or batteries will be accepted.
Justice of the Peace Ginny Phifer reported her office has collected just over $27,000 since the beginning of 2015.
Tax Assessor-Collector Dawn Stewart’s monthly report was accepted, noting the combination of registration and inspection for vehicles has been a challenge.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Loyd Vandygriff went on record to note selling his cleanout bucket to Precinct 4 Commissioner Mark Brantley for $300. Sealed bids on the air compressor were opened by Judge Murray. Wesley Walker’s $75 bid was accepted and was the only bid received.
Judge Murray extended his condolences to former Precinct 2 Commissioner Max Moody on the passing of his mother.
Delta County Commissioners will meet again on Monday, April 27 at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Delta County Courthouse. This is also the first day of early voting for the local option election to legalize the sale of beer and wine for off-premises only in Delta County.