MeadWestvaco makes elevator repairs possible

Newsboy photo/ Charles Kerr THE JASPER CLINIC will get their elevator repairs, thanks to a $15,000 check donated by MeadWetvaco. Left to right: Precinct 1 Commissioner Charles Shofner, Precinct 2 Commissioner Roy Parker, Hubert Franks, director of the public health district board, Kathleen Hawkins, Penny Sullivan of Mead Westvaco, Eddie Smith, County Judge Mark Allen, Danny Brackin and Bill Fuller.

The Jasper Clinic will soon have their elevator operating up to code standards thanks to a $15,000 grant from MeadWestvaco, according to director Danny Brackin.

The old two-story building at 139 W. Lamar is home to the clinic that serves 10,000 clients a year. It also serves as the administrative offices for all four branches of The Jasper Newton County Public Health District (JNCPHD).

In 1927, the building was originally a hospital. The old hydraulic elevator was extra-long to accommodate gurneys, but it does not meet current safety codes.

The letter requesting assistance explains, "JNCPHD relies on Texas Dept. of State Health Services for grant funding to provide most services, but does not have funds for elevator repairs."

MeadWestvaco took note of the fact the JNCPHD has provided uninterrupted public health services in Jasper and Newton counties since 1940.

"When we heard that clients who are physically unable to walk the stairs could not access services on the second floor, we decided we needed to help," said Penny Sullivan, public relations manager for the MeadWestvaco plant in Silsbee.