UPDATE — DHHR project brings services closer to residents

Associated Press

CHARLESTON July 02, 2008 11:02 am

— Officials with the Department of Health and Human Resources are trying to help save rural residents time and money by bringing services closer to them.
Out-stations opened in Nicholas and Fayette counties as a pilot project save residents from having to travel to a central DHHR office to apply for assistance.
DHHR officials say the out-stations save some residents as much as 90 minutes each way in travel time.
Louis Palma, deputy commissioner of the agency’s Bureau for Children and Families, says these stations also save residents gas costs.
Staff members also go to two senior living facilities to sign eligible seniors up for benefits.
Palma says he’s written to DHHR Secretary Martha Walker asking to expand the program.