September 20, 2012

Forums will examine rural medical transit issues

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Rural Medical Transportation Network, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development project, will host a series of public forums in October focusing on non-emergency medical transportation issues.

The free, public forums will be in Fairfield, Du Quoin, Hillsboro, Herrin, Cairo, Vienna and Effingham. Members of the public can share their thoughts and ideas about medical transportation, and discuss any obstacles encountered in traveling to or transporting others to health care appointments.

The forum schedule is:

  • Oct. 2 -- 1:30-3 p.m., Fairfield Memorial Hospital, 303 Northwest 11th St., Fairfield.

  • Oct. 3 -- 1:30-3 p.m., Marshall Browning Hospital, 900 N. Washington St., Du Quoin.

  • Oct. 4 – 1-2:30 p.m., Montgomery County Health Department, 11191 Illinois 185, Hillsboro.

  • Oct. 9 -- 1-2:30 p.m., Herrin Senior Center, 1201 Weaver Road, Herrin.

  • Oct. 10 -- 10-11:30 a.m., Mainliner Lodge, 13047 Kessler Road, Cairo; 2-3:30 p.m., Shawnee National Forest Hidden Spring Ranger District Office, 602 N. First St., Vienna.

  • Oct. 11 – 1-2:30 p.m., Effingham County Committee on Aging Senior Center, 209 S. Merchant St., Effingham.

The public is encouraged to attend. Those who are unable to participate in the forums may still provide comments by contacting the Rural Medical Transportation Network at 618/453-3314.