ARVIN, CA. - A community meeting in Arvin will look to inform residents of how to identify potential emergency medical situations and options on handling them to potentially help avoid long drives and wait times to hospitals and urgent care facilities.
The event will take place Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Arvin Veteran's Hall, 414 4th Ave. from 6 - 7:30 p.m. and will be hosted by various county organizations and will include topics that address recent issues raised by local residents.
There will also be a free dinner for guests with free childcare also provided.
One issue of concern is the lack of emergency services in the rural area, according to the release.
"There are currently no hospitals or urgent care centers within a 23 mile radius of Arvin leaving limited medical resources as a primary option for many residents' medical needs and often times leading them to use emergency services through ambulances and hospital ED's for non-emergency issues," according to the release statement.
Participating organizations include Office of Supervisor Leticia Perez, Building Health Communities of South Kern, Dignity Health, Kern Family Health Care, Clinica Sierra Vista, Kern Medical Center, Kern County Public Health Services, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Kern County Fire Department, and Greenfield Family Resource Center.
Emergency service specialists will be on site to answer questions and deliver live presentations pertaining to the following topics:
· Identifying Emergencies
· Care in Alternative Settings
· Understanding the Nurse Advice Line
· Using Your Insurance Coverage
· Establishing a medical home
· Managing Chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, obesity)