COVID-19 Task Force pushes ahead for on-island testing
Pine Island COVID-19 Task Force member Sue Dahod reported last week that the local fire department has contacted Lee County EMS to find out whether or not testing for COVID-19 on Pine Island is a possibility.
“The current status is they are waiting for EMS to move forward with their plan to conduct testing in Lee County. The bottom line is that angle is contingent upon EMS,” said Dahod.
She went on to say that there were some issues related to funding, with a goal of free testing, so as not to impede island progress due to a lack of money.
Fellow Task Force member Isabel Francis, an R.N., asked if there was more to sponsorship than simply letting someone use a certain facility, such as a financial aspect. Dahod surmised that health insurance is a way to guarantee testing, but said that many islanders may not carry private health insurance.
“There are multiple places where you can get testing without any insurance,” said Dahod. “You just go in and give them an ID. You’d need to schedule an appointment and in most cases you don’t need a doctor’s referral. That’s the model we’d like to pursue.”
Task Force member Martha Huard asked what the chances are of a mobile unit being brought to the island since population is limited and the number of those interested in being tested is unknown.
Dahod said the idea of a mobile unit is a possibility, according to the local fire department. She also sees transportation being a valid consideration, as many islanders are elderly and may have no way of getting to a mobile unit for testing.
Huard brought up the point that many people may not want to be enclosed in their car with a person who suspects they have COVID-19.
Beacon of Hope Community Program Director Nancy Buthman said even though the Beacon is currently transporting islanders to and from medical appointments, they only have one driver, who they need to stay in good health in order to do his job, and also brings up the health of Pine Island residents who already have medical needs, and the threat being exposed to COVID-19 poses to them.
Former WINK?TV news anchor Jim McLaughlin, another Task Force member, agreed that the liability of exposing yourself to the virus, in trying to help someone, could potentially be horrendous. He also explained that the scenario is not unlike that of an emergency situation in a hurricane, reminding everyone to check on their isolated neighbors and friends to see how they’re faring.
Task Force leader Eric McCrea said local churches are doing their best to keep up with demands put on them by the pandemic.
“I think the best we can do is to point people toward resources that we know about,” said McCrea. “If they need food, we have people who can provide that. If they need medical attention, call 9-1-1.”
McLaughlin reminded the group that there is already a pipeline in place with such programs as the Beacon Bites or on-site nurse visitation, which allows for a check-up call. Buthman agreed that this has become an expedient way to assist those who may be alone and in need of medical help.
Buthman reported the Beacon of Hope currently delivers meals to 22 islanders each day, and McCrea said Pine Island United Methodist Church currently delivers approximately 120 bags of groceries each week, the two programs allowing for much needed time to check in on islanders.
“So we have eyes and ears on many vulnerable members of our community already,” said McLaughlin, emphasizing the need to verify the health and wellness of program participants.
The Task Force discussed which political candidates should receive the questionnaire the group has discussed, and how best to frame the questions, in an effort to become better acquainted with their particular policy.
GPICA President Scott Wilkinson reminded the group that time is growing short, as voting has already begun.
Dahod commented that she would get a list of emails together and send them for the group.