GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Residents had the opportunity on Monday, Dec. 19, to share their views on local, county and state legislation that affects them.

The Clay county Delegation hosted a public forum inside the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, and they heard a myriad of suggestions ranging from healthcare for veterans, mental health, affordable housing, taking care of the elderly and disabled and land and water conservation.

“The annual event provides an opportunity for the people of Clay County to let us know what’s on their minds and what they care about,” said Rep. Sam Garrison (R-Fleming Island). “Traditionally, we encourage our local governments to be there to let us know what they are dealing with on a local level. However, it is open for anyone to attend. Many community organizations come to share their mission. Sometimes people make requests for state funding.”

Joining Garrison, Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) and Florida Rep. Bobby Payne (R-Palatka) were Clay County Clerk of Courts Tara Green, Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless, Superintendent David Broskie and representatives from the Sheriff’s Office.

There were more than 30 speakers. Topics included affordable health care for veterans, the aging, and the disabled. Pediatric Dentist Dr. Frank Catalanotto said inaccessible dental care is a public health crisis, with more than six million without accessible care.

Don Fann with the Way Free Medical Clinic agreed.

“The only affordable health care is free healthcare. The Way Free Medical Clinic is the first ‘hub of health for the underserved,’” Fann said.

The clinic will open a second location on College Drive, offering the county’s only free dental care. Access to mental health care was also discussed. Florida ranks 42nd out of 51 states for access to mental health care and 49th out of 50 states for per capita spending on mental health programs, which Ashley Barber, according to assistant Chief of Communication for Clay County’s Sherrif’s Office.

Despite their often long and stressful jobs, the inequity in mental health services for 911 dispatchers and retainers remains. Irene M. Toto, Chief Executive Officer of Clay Behavioral Health Center, similarly advocated for programs to support mental health and pilot a program with law enforcement to address the opioid crisis and mental health.

Likewise, waiver support services and coordination for support are needed now more than ever, said Challenge Enterprises, a nonprofit organization providing adult day training, residential services, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Cornelius Jones with Clay County Changemakers, a self-advocacy group for people with disabilities, agreed that resources must be allocated to the disabled population. He proposed starting a focus group to determine needs. One such need is accessible transportation, especially wheelchair transportation, medical transportation, and transportation for the elderly. Another such need is affordable housing, not only for the disabled but the aging and disenfranchised.

“We need resources and services for those suffering from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s,” said Tameka Holly, Chief Operating Officer of Eldersource.

Dr. Robert Cowie with Mercy Support Services suggested working with partners to develop affordable housing communities to provide low-cost, quality homes.

Land conservation and water quality were of equal concern. The Sierra Club stressed the importance of legislative action to address carbon output and pollution.

For a full list of contributors, go to claycountygov.com or reach out to your representative about local issues.

“Our delegation meetings are not a superficial box that we have to check. If you have questions, call, email, or come to our office. This conversation will continue through committee sessions. We’re a resource for you,” Bradley said.

“And thank you,” Garrison said. “This is not some exercise we do here. We take our responsibilities as legislatures very seriously. As long as we’re here, we always have a door. Even if we disagree, we’re going to be civil because we are neighbors first. We worship together on Sunday. We shop together during the week. We’ll share a beer at Whitey’s on the weekend. We’re a family here.”