The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Clearwater-area residents will soon have an opportunity to connect with medical professionals via medical video conferencing.

A private telehealth room, located at the Clearwater Public Library, will be available for meeting with doctors and specialists, mental health counseling.

Additionally, the new room may be utilized for individuals and families, without access to technology and/or broadband capabilities, to connect.

The room is possible, due to a partnership with the library, Clearwater Chamber of Commerce and Clearwater Economic Development office.

According to chamber officials, the organization submitted an application to the Foundation for Rural Services, for a $5,000 grant, with a similar match from the economic development office.

The idea for the room stemmed from the pandemic, when telehealth services grew exponentially. Despite having a medical clinic in the village of 400, and the closest hospital nine miles away in Neligh, having telehealth space available in town will allow residents to connect with doctors and specialists in larger cities, including Norfolk, Omaha and Lincoln.

Without medical conferencing availability, some medical appointments may not be feasible or possible, especially during Nebraska's harsh winter.

The room will be soundproof and meet American with Disabilities Act requirements.

Economic development director Lauren Sheridan said the room will include new technology, including a computer, large-screen monitor, webcame, wireless headphones, wireless keyboard, a free-standing microphone, wireless ergonomic mouse and a printer.

She said the project kept local dollars in Clearwater, as a local contractor constructed the room and a desk was purchased from a local business.