Alva Review-Courier -

When the coronavirus pandemic was raging around the world, everyone felt grateful for healthcare workers. Although COVID-19 is still a concern, we’ve settled into a calmer time. We probably don’t think nearly as often about healthcare unless we need help.

But now is the time when healthcare workers in Woods County need our support. Now emergency medical services (EMS), the front line of health care, need our help. In our county, the ambulance services are operated by three cities: Alva, Freedom and Waynoka. The cities depend on sales tax, and stretching that money to cover all the city services and infrastructure is getting more and more difficult. And our county doesn’t have enough volume of EMS calls to adequately fund the services through patient billing and insurance.

This Nov. 3, Woods County voters will have the chance to show their support for Woods County EMS at the polls. The county commissioners have approved a proposition for a countywide 522 District. This district would give all the county EMS departments funds from an ad valorem tax on property owners (real estate and personal) in the county. The 3 mil tax is $3 per $1,000 of the valuation of the property.

If approved, the county would set up a board of citizens to oversee the distribution of the 522 District tax to the county EMS services. Several neighboring counties have already approved 522 Districts.

When you call 911 with a health emergency, who will respond and how quickly will they arrive? Approving the 522 District will keep our EMS services going so they can respond to our health emergencies. The money will help purchase new equipment and repair equipment already in service. It will replace the medical products used to provide emergency care to patients.

If you have questions or want more information about the proposal for a Woods County 522 District, the EMS services invite you to attend an open house in your area:

• Alva EMS open house Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at 209 5th St.

• Freedom EMS open house Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 5:30 p.m. at 1132 Main St.

• Waynoka EMS open house Thursday, Oct. 1, at 5:30 p.m. at 1623 Flynn St.

If you can’t attend an open house but have some questions, a Facebook page has been set up at Woods County 522 EMS District Information. They invite you to check out information posted and message them with your questions. Currently the page shows formulas to figure how much extra you might pay in taxes if the 522 District is approved. There’s also a copy of the proposition as it will appear on the ballot. And if you’re not registered to vote, the deadline is Oct. 9 for the November election.