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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1993-01-20, Page 20think of that:" Calls to Rural Connections, which formed in May of 1992, are increasing Ms Johnson said, as peo- ple-become more familiar with the service."There have been more calls since Christmas," she said, adding that the organization, which is sponsored by Canadian Mental Health and funded through OMAF, provides callers with referral assis- tance as well. Brian Ireland of Queen's Bush Rural Ministry, an agency which has been offering counselling to farm families in crisis for over six years, says that as the harvest situa- tion worsened the level of stress increased. "We're run off our feet," he said. "The problems seem to be effecting more people than ever before." Where Queen's Bush used to respond to one serious problem a month, there has been one daily now, he said. To help farmers learn more about what help there is for them HEART is hosting a panel discussion at CHSS cafeteria on Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. Ms Johnson will be one of the panel memebers. She will discuss emergency assistance. Also on the panel are Brian Hughes who will be talking about the commodity loans program, The roles are being reversed. Instead of giving help, Huron County's ambulance drivers are asking for it. The county's ambulance drivers are asking people to sign a petition in support of the "Swimmer Report" The Swimmer Report is actually called 'The Final Report of the Emergency Medical Services Review,' which was chaired by Gene Swimmer. It lists dozens of recommendations to improve ambulance service in Ontario. It was released in Dec. 1991 ana as yet, none of its recommendations have been implemented. The recommendations include: *Creating the Emergency Health Tony Morris, who will be talking about operating loans, and Huron OFA Past President Brenda McIn- tosh, who will discuss farm debt Services (EHS) Commission, a Crown Agency to control all air and land ambulance services. It would be distinct from the Ontario Public Service but report to the Minister of Health and continue to be funded by the province. *Creating a single province-wide bargaining unit for all ambulance officers and dispatchers who are funded entirely by the EHS com- mission. *Covering the entire province with a 911 system *Creating a Central Ambulance Communication Centre system for the province *Training all ambulance officers to provide telephone instruction for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, fire 'aid and pre-arrival assistance review. The event should be of special interest to most farm people, said Ms Johnson. *Adopting minimum response times. There's no mention of how much these recommendations would cost the government. "The implementation of the Swimmer Report will be a definite Win-Win solution to the emergency health services in Ontario," states a press release from the Goderich and District Ambulance Service. "It will also prove to be win for the public with great improvement on the quality of care to patients." Currently in Huron County, there are five different ambulance ser- vices. The Goderich and Wingham ambulance service are hospital based while Dashwood, Seaforth- Clinton and Zurich are private operators. Tables turn as ambulance workers ask public for help PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993. Rural agencies help farm families in crisis BRUSSELS PRICES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 18, UNTIL MARKET CLOSING SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1993 887-9226 °Mtn f VILLAGE . _ours: Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. FRIDAYS OPEN UNTIL 9 P.M. 1Litre Carton CHOCOLATE BEATRICE/SEALTEST MILK 1.19 2% T25u0b g COTTAGE BEATRICE/SEALTEST CHEESE 1.29 4 Jug ROOT WASHER Litre 99 -40 WINDSHIELD • ICE 10lb. Bag GREENCARE MELTER 299 . 300 Assorted g NABOB Pkg. COFFEE Varieties TRADITION 1 . 99 14 Assorted oz. HEINZ Tin PASTAS Varieties CANNED .79 2 Litre Tub MOM'S MARGARINE SOFT 1.99 400 Tin g. COMET CLEANSER IN REGULAR 89 10 lb. Bag Product WHITE of P.E.I. Canada POTATOES # 1 • 99 454 Pkg. g SCHNEIDER'S STEAKETTES 1.99 Everyone knows this has not been a good year for farmers, but what everyone may not know is that there are people out there who recognize the difficulties and chal- lenges facing farm families and are offering help. The Huron Emergency Assis- tance Response Team (HEART) became aware that other counties were getting funding from the Min- istry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) for emergency assistance for farmers. According to Bonnie Johnson, a committee member, a proposal was presented to OMAF just two weeks ago and last week HEART was told they would get $20,000 to be used to help the county's farmers. Ms Johnson, who is head of Rural Connections, an organization which helps farmers facing stress through counselling, resources and workshops, says the funds are to be directed through OMAF to the Fed- eration of Agriculture. then to Social Services. Farmers who need help, may call the latter at 524- 2186 or Ms Johnson at 482-9311. "Under general welfare farmers are considered self-employed," said Ms Johnson, "but beccause these funds are through OMAF there is a special criteria that enables fanners to get assistance." The maximum amount is $1,000 per month for two month, depending on individu- al circumstances. Ms Johnson says that urban resi- dents don't understand what farm families are going through. "They see the big tractors and equipment and question how they (farmers) can be poor," she says. "But, they ignore realities. The equipment is part of an on-going operation, not a symbol of wealth." She explains that people expect a decent return for their investment, something that doesn't happen with farmers. "A lot of people don't Hosp. Aux plans Feb. Cavalcade The Jan. 4 meeting of the Auxiliary to Clinton Public Hospital was attended by 19 members and one guest. The minutes were read by secretary Reta Kelland, and treasurer Rae McFarlane reported a healthy balance to start the new year. Reta Kelland, Auxiliary representative to the board, reported_that open board meetings would be starting this year. Freda Buffinga, gift shop convenor, reported good sales in December. Jeremy Phalen was the winner of the white teddy bear in the gift shop Christmas draw. Members learned that the New Year's baby — a girl, Leigha — was born to Denise McCarroll on Jan. 2 at 1:58 p.m. A gift from the Auxiliary will be presented by President Leona Towton. Muriel Williams, convenor of the February Card Cavalcade, presented her plans for this event' and secured a committee to assist her. The first card party, bridge and euchre, will be held at Ontario St. United Church on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The admission is $3. Card parties will be held in various locations during February. A notice of these dates will be presented later this month. The next Auxiliary meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. in the. hospital conference room. Guests are welcome.