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Councilmember urges better medical transportation and steadier home‑health care in Quartzsite
Summary
A councilmember told the Quartzsite Town Council that medical rides are scarce and home‑health caregivers are inconsistent; members asked WACOG and local partners to prioritize transport and caregiver support and reminded residents of a Feb. 16 blood drive at the senior center.
A councilmember told the Quartzsite Town Council that access to medical transportation and reliable home‑health caregivers remains a pressing problem for residents.
“It's almost impossible to get a medical ride anywhere,” Committee member (S1) said during council reports, saying long waits are “just unacceptable” for people who live in town. The speaker urged the Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) and local providers to prioritize medical transport and to support new caregivers so local home‑health services remain available.
The comment followed accounts that new caregivers in town appeared enthusiastic but that some home‑health workers have “started and then they back off,” Committee member (S1) said. The councilmember said continued outreach and support for those caregivers could improve the town’s services.
Another councilmember, Committee member (S2), echoed the need for community education and highlighted CareFlight’s recent visit. “We have a very wonderful service that's available to our people,” Committee member (S2) said, noting flight nurses who staffed CareFlight outreach at the regional expo and offering to invite CareFlight back for a town presentation.
Council members also promoted an upcoming community blood drive. Committee member (S1) said the blood draw held earlier was “very successful” and urged residents to attend the next drive on Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the senior center, sponsored by the Quartzsite Women's Club.
Why it matters: Town residents — particularly older adults and those who need regular medical appointments — rely on local transport and home‑health availability. Council members framed the issue as one that intersects public health, volunteer and paid caregiving capacity, and regional coordination with agencies such as WACOG and CareFlight.
The council did not take formal action at the meeting on transportation or caregiver programs; members asked staff and regional partners to remain engaged and to consider presentations and outreach that could support recruitment and training of caregivers.
