Human Services

There are a variety of problems associated with the human services of the Prairie Rose RC&D area that need to be addressed, including health care, emergency services, and rural fire protection.

The elderly population of the area is steadily increasing.  This increase, combined with an out-migration trend of youth, had reduced the ability of rural areas to provide and maintain rural health care dew to a reduced tax base.  The increased demand for health care facilities and services.

At the same time, the infant mortality rate for the area is 11 per 1,000 births, demonstrating a vital need for prenatal care and education.  The number of families who receive aid to families with dependent children increased 24.9 percent from 1980 to 1990.  These families often do not get proper nutrition or health care.  The area has a desperate need for affordable rural doctors and clinics.  It has a physician/resident ratio of 1:1,342.

Many communities face a disturbing dilemma in providing essential services, such as fire and police protection, because declining tax bases cause ill-maintained infrastructure, these communities lack the ability to attract new industry, which would raise the tax base to a level which would provide services to the residents.

Some countries also have no method of contacting ambulance service other than by telephone, which may still be on the party-line system.  A 911 or similar system is needed for the most efficient emergency response, including a uniform identification of rural roads and houses.

These are also exists a need for increased rural fire protection in the area.  Response time and availability of fire fighters is very limited.  The majority of firefighters are volunteers.

Compatibility of the mostly surplus equipment between districts is also limited.  Portions of the area remain un-represented by any fire department.  Availability of water is also a problem for many rural districts.

A comprehensive rural fire protection plan that addresses upgraded equipment needs, training for all fire department personnel, increased sources of water, and establishment of districts is needed.  This would include dry hydrants for increased water supply and result in lower insurance premiums.

RC&D Goal:

All residents will have access to adequate health care, including pre-natal and elderly, upgraded emergency services, and rural fire protection.

Strategies:  Help all counties in the area identify all roads and houses to aid emergency personnel.  Provide Emergency service to all counties in the area. Help locate funds.  Coordinate with local telephone companies to identify upgrading needs for local telephone systems to meet requirements for a 911 system.  Educate and train fire departments and the public about the advantages and use of dry hydrants. Install two dry hydrants in each county.  Develop adequate rural water supplies in all areas not served by a rural water district.  Help local and county law enforcement agencies access training for officer certification.  Develop a recruitment program, and seek funding to attract physicians and nurses to local hospitals and communities.  Coordinate with health care professionals and agencies an inventory of health care needs, services and personnel to provide pre-natal and elder care.

Links:

Master Fire Plans

Dry Hydrants

Latest Revision: Wednesday September 23, 2009 09:56:09 AM