Dr. Echols speaks to Rotary as the club prepares for month of delivering meals to seniors

The Rotary Club of Breckenridge warmly received special guest, Dr. Thomas Echols, who provided the club with an update on Stephens Memorial Hospital District.

The statements were a brief insight into the hospital and the diligent efforts the board of trustees and employees are taking during this hectic time. The topics were discussed during the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

“In mid-August, we hope to have an interim gastrologist come weekly and we already have an OB/GYN, who comes every Wednesday, Dr.Echols said. “COVID has really impacted us as far as when you look across the board and see the visits to the emergency room and clinics are down. The board is always pursuing any grants or outside sources of revenue and we are maintaining the status quo.”

Dr. Echols’ also spoke of the hospital’s attempt to join a committee on rural health care.

“The committee was formed by Texas A & M and we’ll have a meeting in August,” Dr. Echols said. “It’s a consolidation of rural health clinics that are trying to keep hospitals and clinics in rural America. The out-migration is destroying communities and we’ve had several hospital closures in our area and if accepted, we’d be one of 30 hospitals nationwide.”

For August, the Rotary Club of Breckenridge will begin to deliver meals to senior citizens within the community as a part of the Meals On Wheels program.

Members will split into teams and drive around the community to provide meals to seniors on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the entire month.

For the past few months, club leaders have worked in cooperation with the city of Breckenridge, the Meals on Wheels program, and SMH for details on providing meals to senior citizens.

The Meals on Wheels program and SMH are seeking volunteers to assist with the delivery of meals to seniors.

The Breckenridge Rotary Club will continue to meet every Tuesday at the L & L Restaurant.