MORAN Allen Countys neighbors to the east are seeking a new medical clinic.
Sally Johnson, representing a group of Uniontown residents, spoke Monday to Moran City Council members about her groups efforts to attract a clinic.
While acknowledging Moran has its own clinic Allen County Regional Hospitals center is open two afternoons a week Johnson figures enough outlying residents might be enticed to go to Uniontown for conveniences sake.
What were asking of Moran and its citizens is if you would support Union-towns quest.
Johnson noted Bourbon Countys only medical presence is Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott while Allen County has several. Were just really in need of better health care in Bourbon County, she said
The effort is spearheaded by the Uniontown Ruritan Club, which has reached out to Girard Medical Center to provide nurse practitioners or other medical professionals, Johnson said.
But first, the locals are in the data-gathering stage, by surveying community interest in such a venture.
Because you have a clinic in town, we wont compete with you, Johnson said. We just wanted to give you a heads up with what we wanted to do, and maybe even garner some support.
Council members said nothing in opposition.
RACHEL McDonald, tapped as the general manager of the Marmaton Market if and when the local food cooperative buys Stubs Market in Moran, spoke with Council members about the groups quest for county funding.
Marmaton Market has applied for a $100,000 grant from the county, and could know as early as today whether the grant was successful.
Council members expressed their support for the request.
To me, its a no-brain-er, Councilman Jerry Wallis said, pointing to the difficulty many elderly residents in town would face should Moran lose its store.
I dont look at this as a financial investment, its a social investment, agreed Larry Manes, one of the cooperatives leading advocates.
Manes noted the county has mentioned the possibility of offering a low- or zero-interest loan instead of a grant.
