MPR: The Future of Small Towns: Idea Generator: Idea detail and comments

Categories : People : Economic opportunity : Human services : Telecommunications : Transportation : Social/cultural opportunities : Education : Government & policy : Other

Idea for: Human services

Consolidate human services into outreach centers
Most small towns in rural Minnesota are not the county seat, yet they require all the human services of the county seat - medical care, legal services, social services, etc. Some rural Minnesota counties have prototyped the idea of one-stop remote human services locations in several small towns throughout the state. This idea has merit - many rural citizens cannot travel an hour or more each way to see a doctor, apply for social service benefits, etc.

Why not have small outreach centers, connected by high speed computer networks, throughout each county? It is a way to connect all the small towns in every county and make them a more viable model for success. Yes, it will cost more, but it will also act as a catalyst for growth.

From Michael Corbin of Medford, MN on 05/12/05

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The local counties in our area have bus service and volunteer drivers for seniors and others to get to services and shopping at a reasonable cost, but the timing can be a problem. So having access closer to home would definitely be helpful. New technology is present at every doctor's office and within most government offices. An individual's file can be accessed via computer/internet from remote locations -- no longer requiring bulky files to be lugged out.

From Mary Sullivan of Franklin, MN on 05/13/05

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I would add that technology can be used in creative ways.Our local mental health center has recieved a grant to explore telemedicine.Use of a video camera enables our psychiatrist to visit with patients at our satellite locations. The two can see each other face to face with the camera allowing the doctor to zoom in close if needed to look at the client's eyes for example. Clients & docs are responding well to this.I'm sure there are other ways this type of technolopgy could be used.

From Kate Hennessy of Marshall, MN on 05/13/05

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