By Alabama Public Radio
Marion, AL – Governor Riley, Congressman Artur Davis and other officials listened to the health concerns of Black Belt residents during a town hall meeting Tuesday. The meeting was hosted by the Governor's Black Belt Action Commission, which has previously held screenings for vision problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and other ailments. There are few ambulances and few medical facilities open after 5 p.m. in the Black Belt, so the meeting was held to discuss efforts to expand health care in that region. Officials say they're trying to arrange a 24-hour-care facility, but the process is difficult and expensive. Riley says officials are also working to arrange transportation for children and pregnant women who need to see a doctor or go to the hospital.