Wayne Memorial opens primary COVID-19 testing site

HONESDALE, PA — As of October 30, Wayne Memorial Hospital’s primary COVID-19 testing site for outpatients will be at the drive-through for the former Wayne Health Pharmacy at the Stourbridge Complex, located at Maple Avenue and Route 6. Its previous main testing site at the Wayne County Fairgrounds closed in mid-October because of the expected onset of inclement weather.

Patients will be given an easy-to-use, nasal-swab, self-collection kit. Laboratory Services Manager John Romano says the kit will be delivered to the vehicle. Phlebotomists inside the former pharmacy will be able to guide patients needing assistance. Patients can communicate their questions via an on-site camera.

A health care provider’s prescription and insurance information is required for testing.

Testing is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. As an alternate site, testing will still be available at the hospital.

For more information, visit www.wmh.org.

Wayne County joins 211

HONESDALE, PA — As of November 1, Wayne County joins 211 of Northeastern PA, a 24/7 information and referral service under the auspices of the United Way that provides callers with access to available human services in the region. Residents can call to obtain information about food pantries, emergency shelters, housing, utility assistance, clothing, drug and alcohol intervention and behavioral health services.

Wayne County decided to change to the 211 system to make it easier for the residents to access information any time of day or night.  The number, 211, is also easier to remember when someone needs assistance and is toll-free from anywhere in the county. County officials note that initially some phones may not accept 211, but there are efforts underway to improve the connection. 

Other means of connecting with 211 include using the toll-free number (1-855-567-5341), visiting the website (www.pa211ne.org) or texting your zip code to 898211.

Causer introduces bill to boost funding for EMS training, equipment

HARRISBURG, PA — Legislation to improve the affordability and accessibility of emergency medical services training in rural areas has been approved by both the PA House and Senate and now heads to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for his signature, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), prime sponsor of the measure.

The cost for EMT training nears $1,000. House Bill 1838 would make training more affordable by increasing funding for the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund (EMSOF) and requiring at least 30 percent of the funding to be used to provide training to underserved rural areas. In addition, the bill would require no less than 10 percent of the funds to be provided directly to EMS providers to help with purchasing medical equipment for their ambulances. EMSOF is currently funded by a $10 fee on moving violations and a $25 fee for driving under the influence incidents. Causer’s bill would increase those fees to $20 and $50, respectively. It would be the first increase in the fees in more than three decades.

The bill is part of the General Assembly’s ongoing effort to support life-saving emergency medical services organizations across the state by addressing staffing and funding needs.