'Ask A Nurse' program geared toward tech-savvy residents

The Linn County Health Department has implemented the "Ask A Nurse" program that will allow county residents to ask a department nurse about a medical issue via email. (Linn County Health Department flyer)

Journal staff report

PLEASANTON – The Linn County Health Department recently rolled out its “Ask A Nurse” program aimed particularly at younger Linn County residents who might be more comfortable sending a text message than making a phone call.

To go to the secure form, click here.

Department Director Amanda Snyder said her staff began to provide the service after she learned that a couple of other counties had implemented the program.

“It doesn’t cost us anything,” she explained. “In this day and age, younger people would rather get online than make a call.”

Residents can pull up the form from the health department’s Facebook page, the county’s website or click on the link in the Linn County Journal.

Once completed, the email is forwarded to one of the health department’s nurses, who can usually respond very quickly, Snyder said.

Is it for emergencies? No. Snyder says if the situation is an emergency, residents should dial 911. However for information about general medical concerns, the Ask A Nurse program should be beneficial.