As a deadline looms for Perry County to reach a proposed agreement with Braden Heath, some local leaders are expressing their thoughts on the changes. 

In a public post released on the county's tourism Facebook account, Linden Mayor Wess Ward expressed public support for proposed changes to the county's EMS service. 

"I encourage each of you to join us Thursday, May 29th at 6:00 PM at the Jim Azbill Community Center for a public meeting to discuss and vote on transferring operations of our Ambulance Service, which is currently managed by County EMS, to Braden Health. As most of you know, Braden Health has purchased and plans to reopen our hospital within the year.
As your Mayor, I want you to know I’ve taken the time to research this issue thoroughly. I’ve spoken with experts, community leaders, and Braden Health representatives. After careful consideration, I am giving my full support of transferring operations of the Ambulance Service to Braden Health to equip both Linden and Lobelville with stationed ambulance(s).
I believe that aligning our ambulance service with a healthcare provider that has already proven their commitment to restoring quality care in Perry County, with over a decade of proven rural care experience, is a vital step forward for our community and I am confident all will receive the best emergency care. 
This vote matters, and you have a right to make your voice heard. I urge you to contact your commissioner to ask questions and offer input. If you want to see higher standards of care, local control, and a long-term vision for emergency medical services, I urge you to express your support and attend this meeting. I am sure many of you feel the same as I do when I say that we all hope that we never have to experience an emergent situation, but none of us never know when that next call could save your life. Together, we can shape a stronger future for Perry County."

WOPC previuosly streamed a conversation with an official from Braden Health last week. That video can be found on our Facebook page.