Woodkirk Stone
A former bank vault inside the Patricia Romanko Public Library will be transformed into a confidential telehealth space after the Parma Library received a $6,800 grant.
PARME, Idaho — A former bank vault inside the Patricia Romanko Public Library will soon be transformed into a confidential telehealth space after the Parma Library received a $6,800 grant.
The grant was funded by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries. It will cover the costs of the confidential telehealth space and the technology needed for the space.
The “state-of-the-art” telehealth space at the Patricia Romanko Public Library will be the only general health or mental health facility in Parma. Its design allows for private medical appointments and consultations.
“I already have a local retired nurse and a representative from the fire department who are on board to help with the telehealth initiative,” said Gina Day, director of the public library Patricia Romanko. “In addition to reliable internet access, computer, printer and other space technology, we plan to provide residents with medical equipment, such as a blood pressure monitor and thermometer.”
Parma recently lost its only health clinic, leaving its population to travel to medical appointments in Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian or Boise. Parma’s elderly population is 20.4%, according to the library’s press release.
“We are pleased to further support telehealth spaces at Idaho libraries as this investment helps increase access to health care in rural areas of our state,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, executive director. from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “Libraries are a great community resource and providing access to health care at these locations will be a huge benefit to these communities.”
Computers at the Patricia Romanko Public Library are commonly used by residents to obtain health care information. The library said a private telehealth space in the community “will give residents the tools they need to better manage their health needs.”
Visit the Patricia Romanko Public Library website for more information.
Check out the latest news from Treasure Valley and Gem State in our YouTube playlist: