Portable telehealth arrives in Coosa County
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Local officials unveil a new portable telehealth cart that is now available for Coosa residents. Pictured from left are District 3 Commissioner Brandon Davis, Chamber of Commerce President Elmore Unbehant, Rockford Mayor Scott White, Extension Office Director Dr. Shannon Davis, Commission Chair Lamar Daugherty, County Administrator Amy Gilliland, District 1 Commissioner John Forbus, and Spencer Hardy with the Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Lydia Waters
Special to the News
Submitted by Dr. Shannon Davis
Coosa County Extension Office director
The Coosa County commissioners, town mayors, the Coosa County Chamber of Commerce, and the Coosa County Extension Office-Telehealth Planning Committee recognized the need to improve local access to healthcare services within the county.
In collaborations for more than a year, the groups planned how to help meet this need of the residents. Today, Coosa officials are proud to announce the arrival of portable telehealth care and mental health services for Coosa county residents.
Portable telehealth takes a unique approach in the delivery of health services as care can be provided directly to Coosa residents in-home or within rural communities.
The portability allows for medical care to be accessed from places such as churches, a community center, or in a local health/community organization.
The direct access to healthcare is of benefit to residents and families by saving them time and money getting to medical offices out of the county. Having better access to healthcare, wellness screenings and
health information also leads to a better quality of life for Coosa residents.
This is the first use of portable telehealth in Coosa County. The portable telehealth concept stems from results given by residents in the Extension 2024 “Needs Assessment Survey,” and then Coosa officials took action to meet the important need of improving access to healthcare.
Remember that emergency care is provided by Coosa County Emergency Medical Service by calling 911. Telehealth is for non-emergency, general healthcare.
Officials are seeking to create a county-wide portable health map, marking areas of need and locations for services. Locations for hosting portable health should have internet access and office space
where patients can receive care in private.
If you are a Coosa resident or family who might be interested in using the portable health service, or if you work with a local organization interested in hosting the cart for appointments, please reach out to
Shannon at the Coosa County Extension Office at 256-935-9718.
Grant funding for the telehealth carts was provided by Auburn University, Office of Public Outreach.
Dr. Shannon Davis, Extension Office director, shows and reviews the portable telehealth cart while Commissioner Brandon Davis and Chamber of Commerce President Elmore Unbehant look on. Photo by Lydia Waters
