The recent hospital closure affected multiple aspects of Audrain County including the suspension of healthcare services that were provided to county residents. In an effort to be proactive in addressing the problems created, the Audrain County Commission, in conjunction with their partners, has taken a multiple-step approach to the situation.

“These measures are meant to assist with the short-term issues caused by the suspension of services,” Associate Commissioner Tracy Graham said. “By working with our partners, we hope to minimize the possible effects residents may experience.”

First, working through the Audrain County Emergency Management director Carl Donaldson, the county commission is meeting regularly with county emergency service providers that will or may be impacted by the absence of the hospital services.

“For example, without an emergency room, ambulance travel times could be increased and with a definitive amount of ambulances in the county, it could be problematic,” Associate Commissioner Leslie Meyer said. “Audrain County is great at pulling together and helping one another in any situation. We are confident we can find the best solution for residents in this type of meeting.”

Additionally, the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, the Audrain County Health Department, other partners, and the county are working together to generate a plan to make information regarding the many services still available for Audrain County residents easy to access.

“It will always be the intention of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce to do all we can to support local, quality healthcare in Audrain County, whatever that might look like,” Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce director Dana Keller said.

“We will continue to work with the Hospital Coalition, the chamber of commerce, and all others who are interested in promoting the goal of good healthcare here in Audrain County,” Presiding Commissioner Alan Winders added. “The Commission’s commitment to having a local hospital and to healthcare for Audrain County residents, is unwavering and is evidenced in our actions. Many good people are tuned into this and are committed to the idea of good healthcare for our folks. We will work tirelessly to do our part in hospital / healthcare efforts. The story is far from being over.”