JUDGE: Many good things happening in Milam County
BroadBand
We are working to bring more broadband to Milam County. The first step is to complete the survey, so we get an idea of what is available. We have 11 providers in the county, but we don’t know what the individual uses are.
The survey only takes a few minutes and it is a must for us to increase our coverage. The online survey is located at: https://www.myconnectedcommunity.org/milam-county/
On Dec. 8 we will have a virtual meeting to discuss plans for more and better coverage. If you have any interest, email me at syoung@milamcounty.net and we will include you in this important meeting.
Telehealth in Milam County
Last Friday the county got some great coverage from Channel 10, KWTX regarding our new Telehealth Station. The story aired Friday evening explaining all of the benefits of the station. The story can be viewed at: https://www.kwtx.com/2020/11/14/telehealth-booth-brings-healthcare-optio...
Remember that the Telehealth Station is now open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. There is a $65 charge for using the device, which insurance may reimburse. It is located at the Sheriff’s Office in Cameron at 512 N. Jefferson. No appointment is needed.
Thanks to Blue Cross & Blue Shield for the grant; to Texas A&M Health Science Center for developing the project in Milam County; and to OnMed for developing the device.
If you would like a demonstration, just let us know and we will make the arrangements.
COVID Testing in Milam County
We have been providing free COVID testing for any Milam County resident who has COVID symptoms since Sept. 1, 2020. The program has been a huge success with over 700 individuals tested and about 150 positive results.
This has slowed the spread of the virus by quickly taking those that are positive and their close contacts out of circulation.
The test is a rapid test and results are obtained in about twenty minutes.
Testing is provided as follows: Monday – Rockdale Hospital – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday – Thorndale VFD – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday – Milano VFD – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ; Thursday – Cameron VFD – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday – Buckholts VFD – 8 a.m. to noon.
The free testing is provided through a joint, cooperative effort of the City of Buckholts, Cameron, Milano, Rockdale, Thorndale and County government using CARES Act funding. We hope to continue the testing through March 15, 2021.
The state will provide free testing for anyone with or without symptoms on Nov. 30 at the Milano Fire Station from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Immunizations
We hope to have a vaccine for the virus available sometime after Jan. 1, 2021. The County Health Department plans to administer the vaccine free of charge for any Milam County resident. First responders and medical providers will be offered the vaccine first, then high-risk individuals and so forth.
Thanks to the Schools
Our schools have done an outstanding job to keep the kids safe. Many safety protocols have been implemented and the administrations have worked around the clock to make the schools safe for the students. Overall, we have had few cases and only one short closure.