JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Mayor Donna Deegan emphasized the success of Jacksonville\u2019s telemedicine program, Health Link Jax, which connects uninsured residents to doctors and reduces costly emergency room visits.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis health Link Jax program… has saved more than $10 million for emergency room visits,\u201d Deegan said. \u201cIt has been a wildly successful program.\u201d<\/p>\n
She explained the program\u2019s benefits for taxpayers, noting that emergency room visits are expensive and the costs \u201ctrickle down to people in health care costs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deegan expressed frustration over duplicative investigations into the program, stating, \u201cThe IG\u2019s office actually went in and relooked at everything in the procurement process. And it was all perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n
RELATED: Duval DOGE committee dives deeper into city\u2019s telehealth contract amid fraud allegations<\/a><\/p>\n Turning to community development, Deegan shared her excitement about the upcoming opening of Jacksonville\u2019s new Riverfront Plaza, calling it a \u201cwonderful, beautiful, elevated playground\u201d with amenities including a caf\u00e9, restrooms, and an event lawn.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s almost ready to open to the public. Pretty exciting,\u201d she said. The plaza will debut with a holiday fest featuring a tree lighting, boat parade, fireworks, a holiday light show at Friendship Fountain, and ice skating at the Jax Artists Walk.<\/p>\n On political civility, Deegan discussed signing the Oklahoma Declaration Against Political Violence, a bipartisan effort by more than 230 mayors to promote respectful discourse.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just work together. We\u2019re pragmatic. We put party aside,\u201d she said. \u201cLet\u2019s be civil. Let\u2019s tell the truth. Let\u2019s not throw flames.\u201d<\/p>\n Deegan also highlighted the Duval Care Coalition, a community effort to combat food insecurity, especially following the government shutdown that paused SNAP benefits.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to make sure our community doesn\u2019t go hungry,\u201d she said. The coalition\u2019s website, jacksonville.gov\/duvalcarecoalition<\/a> , offers ways to seek assistance or donate.<\/p>\n