A special meeting was called by the City of Three Rivers for a presentation on health care programs available to those who qualify for medical assistance.

Monty Small, with the Atascosa Community Health Center, gave the first lecture regarding health and dental care provided by the Atascosa Community health Center. He said Karnes County and Wilson County have joined the Atascosa Community Health program which is federally funded. The possibility of partnering with the South Texas Regional Medical Center would allow the clinic in Three Rivers to be staffed with more medical professionals, which would provide care for those who qualify for medical assistance as well as those who have insurance coverage.

Following, Debra Velasco with the Texas Star Program (formerly the Texas Department of Health) provided information in reference to the Medicaid program and the Texas Health Steps Program. Velasco works from her home office in Beeville. The program encourages health care such as annual physical exams, dental health care every six months, etc. She said assistance for those who do have transportation to see doctors is also available.

In other City Council news, aldermen voted to approve an e-mail and internet use policy as prepared and presented by City Attorney Harry J. Schulz, Jr.