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Driver safety program coming to county By Kathy Behnke Mile Bluff Medical Center has joined forces with the Juneau County Department of Aging and Disability, Juneau County Sheriff’s Department, Mile Bluff Clinic and Juneau County Emergency Services, to form the Juneau County Coalition for At-risk Drivers. Thanks to a grant obtained through the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health, this group is in the planning stages of developing a safe driver initiative for off-road screenings.
Over the next year, research, training and testing needs to be done before the program can officially be offered to the public, but the group is well on its way toward making that happen. The first steps being taken are to define the level and intensity of the issue in the area and develop strong community networks for referral. The group will then also work to identify resources for those needing further assessment, equipment or training, as well as find support for those recommended for driving cessation. The ultimate goal of the program is to have trained occupational therapists perform individual off-road screenings. From there, the therapists will then give specific recommendations regarding on-road evaluations, vehicle adaptations, vehicle selection and equipment recommendations. Once details are set in place, a pilot program will be completed using a small population of individuals referred by healthcare providers. Based on lessons learned through this trial process and its evaluation, the coalition will seek funding to implement the program community-wide in an effort to help increase overall public safety. As planning continues, the coalition will keep the community informed on its progress. Watch for further details on this developing driver safety program. Photo Caption: Area agencies have come together to form the Juneau County Coalition for At-risk Drivers. The group is in the process of planning an off-road screening program for the county, through funding provided by the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health (WORH). Pictured back (left to right): Heidi Randall - Juneau County Department of Aging and Disability, Jean Surguy - Mile Bluff Medical Center (MBMC), Craig Stuchlik - Juneau County Sheriff’s Department, Kevin Jacobson - WORH. Pictured front (left to right): Kim Pitzen - MBMC, Janell Haske - Mile Bluff Clinic, Tracy Anderson - MBMC, Martha Airth-Kindree - MBMC. Not pictured: The Juneau County Emergency Services is also a part of the program. |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
The Juneau
County Coalition for At-risk Drivers will plan, pilot and evaluate a driver
screening program. The team will address the needs and quality of life of the
older population, as well as those of individuals with medical conditions or
impairments as they pertain to driving, road safety and support.