The five counties that support Chesapeake College have to decide if they will fund 25% of the new proposed medical training center. They have to decide by the next time they turn in a budget. According to the Commissioners of Kent County, the decision is split at this moment. With majority vote possibly approving or denying the funds coming from the counties, Kent County might be stuck with the tough decision of what to do.
As Commissioner William W Pickrum put it nobody likes to be told what to do. But if it comes to Kent County making the deciding vote it is a situation they will have to deal with. According to Sue Hayman, Dorchester and Caroline County feel with the economy in the state it is, they couldn’t afford to fund this for Chesapeake College. The 25% of the funding that is proposed amounts to about $25 million dollars. This would be split among the five counties. Queen Anne’s and Talbot County support funding a new medical center.
The state has already given a grant to fund the center for Chesapeake College. The grant covers 75% of the money that will be needed, an estimated $75 million dollars. While a huge chunk of what would be needed, it still leaves the need for $25 million dollars.
If the counties stay with their positions, then Kent County will have to decide if all counties will support the funding of this new medical center for Chesapeake College. The new center would be used to train students in rising medical fields, which could help the local economy, but it could also train staff for jobs in outside regions leading to moving away from the counties. These are just a couple of the issues the Kent County Commissioners will have to analyze before making a decision. But if it comes down to Kent County having the swing vote they will have to add on the difficulty of thinking of the effects on other counties in the area. There is time before anything has to be decided, but it could become a bigger issue than just what Kent County decides.
Joe Diamond says
How about if Kent County proposes an way to fund this project…then votes yes?
True, the economy sucks……residents are losing the jobs they were commuting to and can’t find work near home.
True, the cost of medical care is rising.
True, local HS graduates are willing to continue their education.
True the need for medical services will continue and even grow.
How about linking support for the school project to a study of the feasibility of creating some kind of paramedical facility on the site of each volunteer fire department building, school or other public structure for first aid and transport purposes.
I feel the area needs some kind of intermediate care facility for triage…short of trips to an emergency room. This could fund some of the instructional program and (maybe) provide experience for the students. I am speaking of a wellness program with bandages……….serious cases could be identified and transported.
For what the local emergency roommust charge…and for what they are unable to provide…this could be a win- win to fund and grow what seems to be a good program.
Eh?
Joe
eliott bruce says
part of this medical traning should be in chestertown at hospital combine with wc because if want to be r n have to have degree should not be funding out side county.
Joe Diamond says
Hey Elliott.
I see you have the sam problem with poof reading on this site as I do. The damn print is just small for old fart glasses! Anyhow, I get your drift….meaning,….intent of your communication. But I disagree!
cc
Washington College is a liberal arts college. They read books. It is not a medical school. AND even though the local hospital is here it is a business. they will do what is necessary to produce a profit. It is not “our” hospital. AND the various county lines do not reflect anything but tax areas. Again there is no “we” as there is no “them.”
The upper shore needs an affordable band aid station with internet connected diagnostic capabilities to the rest of the planet.
Joe