By Adam Ophus

Funding Cut

Province decides MEL Society no longer eligible for FCSS funding

Jul 18, 2019 | 4:04 PM

The Alberta Government has decided it will no longer fund the Medical Equipment Lending Society in Rocky Mountain House through the Family and Community Support Services program, and that they want the $18,000 back that was sent to it earlier this year.

“They consider the MEL Society to be medical in nature, and not FCSS eligible due to the service not directly being a preventative society program, and the service being aligned with another ministry.” FCSS Manager Andrea Vassallo told Rocky Mountain House Town Council.

Vassallo said the province is now wanting the local municipalities to cover the cost associated with the program. The funding would be split on a population basis with $6,368.40 from Rocky Mountain House, $523.80 from the Village of Caroline, and $11,107.80 from Clearwater County.

“The unfortunate thing is, if we don’t have a local MEL society, then people are forced to travel to Red Deer, and vulnerable populations often have difficulties affording transportation,” states Vassallo.

The money given from the municipalities would have to go straight back to the FCSS as the MEL Society has already spent the money.

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The Town of Rocky Mountain House is the first to agree to pay their share of the funds that aligns with the request of the Clearwater Regional FCSS.