Mixed Opinions on the Proposed On-Site Clinic

The employees and tax-payers of Rabun County voiced their opinions on the proposed on-site clinic at last night’s county commission meeting.

Multiple people spoke up at the meeting, both in favor and opposition of the clinic.

Linda Watts, an employee at Rabun County 911, said that the clinic would be a good thing since employee benefits have been cut.

“This on-site clinic, that’s a way to help these people that had their insurance taken away from them,” said Watts. “There are kids out there that don’t have insurance, and this is going to help them.”

Meanwhile, Joan Cox, who wore a “No Clinic” sticker to last week’s special called meeting, opposed the on-site clinic.

“I’m not so sure that this is the most economical and best approach for our employees,” said Cox. “I would like to see more research done.”

Sabrina Cochran, also an employee of Rabun County 911, made her point in favor of an on-site clinic by asking a question.

“When you call into 911, they’re there to take care of your family. What can you do for them to take care of their family?”

However, Dr. Goldbright, who runs a clinic in Tiger, thinks that something other than an on-site clinic should be instituted. He also emphasized ensuring that local physicians would not be negatively affected.

“There are other options,” said Goldbright.  “I think that using the resources that we have, such as the health department and local physicians, could provide a lower cost alternative for healthcare delivery in Rabun County.”

Allison Judge with Transform Health RX, the company the commission has been working with on the proposed on-site clinic, said that local physicians would not be negatively affected, as the clinic would work with doctors in the area.

“We’re very independent, but we’re very dependent on the community,” said Judge. “We absolutely use radiology, we use specialists, we use primary care doctors, we use the health system. We depend on them.”

After much discussion, Commissioner Loudermilk made a motion to table the clinic until it can be looked into further. He said he does feel something needs to be done for the county employees.

“I just don’t think it’s fair to the county employees,” said Loudermilk, “when they make the salary that they do, to not have any more benefits than they do.”

The commission approved his motion unanimously.