JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) – The government has been shut down for a little more than three weeks now and it’s affecting a number of things including SNAP benefits, jobs and even healthcare facilities.
Back in March, WDAM 7 reported that the Jones County Health Department would be getting a well-needed facelift.
According to Jones County Engineer Jessica Hodge the county was supposed to start the bidding process in November, but now that’s on pause because of the government shutdown.
Mississippi State Department of Health Media Relations Director Greg Flynn said such projects have no other option than to wait out the stalemate.
“We’ll have to wait and see when Congress can reopen the government and what funding gets turned back on,” Flynn said.
The Mississippi State Department of Health said planned improvements in Jones County included a larger waiting room and bigger exam rooms with up-to-date equipment.
The state also was looking to enhance parking, add an Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant entrance to the lobby, install privacy windows for patients and improve landscaping.
The state is paying for the project, but it will be pushed back for right now because of uncertainty of federal funding.
“So, it’s really just a wait-and-see,” Flynn said. “Everything is so fluid and information changes almost daily, sometimes.
“So, it’s really hard to put a quantifiable number on where we actually stand because all we’re trying to do now is be the best steward of the taxpayer dollar right now and spending only on what is essential.”
Flynn said officials at the Mississippi State Department of Health said during the shutdown, essential services to the public were not being cut and that the department was working to continue meeting the needs of patients.
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