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Chance Markia Teva, a paramedic, echoed concerns about non-emergent 911 calls and stated that the telehealth program offers a vital solution. He praised the program's affordability and accessibility, noting that it's less expensive than a McDonald's meal and provides access to a doctor seven days a week.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→David Navarro shared his positive experience with the telehealth program, stating it saved him $150 on a doctor's visit and costs him only $72 annually. He believes it's a quality of life improvement for blue-collar individuals and those without insurance, and suggested that a referendum might not work due to past negative perceptions.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Elvia Navarro believes the program is important for families with children and finds the $6 monthly fee reasonable. She shared that she was recently hospitalized overnight and knows the cost of emergency care, making the telehealth option a much more beneficial alternative for her family.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Dr. Parrott, representing MD Health Pathways, presented data showing 94% of Garland households have not opted out of the program. He highlighted the program's success in providing care to 10,000 families and argued against a referendum, citing its cost and limited scope compared to the opt-out system.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Danny Starnes criticized the mailer for not clearly stating the fee or opt-out instructions. He argued that forcing citizens into a program without their explicit consent goes against free market principles and burdens the elderly. He urged the council to allow citizens to vote on the matter.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Rodolfo Lopez expressed support for the program, noting that as an immigrant, he doesn't have access to programs like Medicare or Medicaid. He believes the $6 monthly fee is affordable and beneficial for him and his family, providing access to healthcare that would otherwise be unavailable.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Ingrid Godoy found the program intriguing and important, especially for young mothers who may lack transportation. She questioned why Garland shouldn't have a program that other communities and countries already offer and expressed a desire to use it.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Courtney Raines, a paramedic with 13 years of experience, explained how non-emergent 911 calls tie up ambulances and resources. She stated that the telehealth program provides a necessary alternative, allowing emergency services to focus on true emergencies and improving response times.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Eleazar Morales found the program interesting, especially the ability to consult a doctor via text or call from home. He shared that his wife recently had a hospital visit that could have been handled by telehealth, saving him a sleepless night and time off work. He believes everyone deserves access to medical care, and for $6, it's a beneficial program.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→Carl Smith thanked the council for discussing the program as a citizen's choice and urged them to allow a referendum. He argued that the program should survive an election if it's truly beneficial and criticized the idea that engagement is counterproductive.
Work Session - Feb 2, 2026→A resident asked for the program's response to the mayor's recent opposition to MD Health Pathways.
Garland District 4 Town Hall Meeting - Jan 22, 2026→A resident asked about the difference between the advertised 10,000 families in the pilot program and the doctor's mention of 10,000 uses.
Garland District 4 Town Hall Meeting - Jan 22, 2026→