Mountain West Medical Supply in Blanding has successfully secured funding through the San Juan County Rural Community Grant Program (RCGP) to implement a new oxygen generation system. The business has already purchased the equipment and is currently working toward beginning production.
Eric Acton, the manager of the Blanding-based company, reported that the new machine produces 96% pure oxygen at a rate capable of filling 20 H tanks per day.
The expansion is expected to impact local healthcare delivery by addressing long-standing concerns regarding oxygen supply in the community. Byron Clark, who serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Utah Navajo Health Systems and is a member of the RCGP board, stated that the rural healthcare system in San Juan County supports efforts to bring services closer to patients.
Clark noted that the project is expected to provide better care and improved convenience for both patients and care providers.
For Mountain West Medical Supply, the new system offers significant potential for growth. Acton indicated that the addition could increase the need for one or two additional drivers for delivery and pickup in the near future.
From a financial perspective, Acton estimated that the annual cost of operating the machine will be roughly one-third of the cost of provider delivery. He noted that revenue increases are expected to be substantial, particularly after the first year as the company transitions to being completely self-reliant regarding compressed oxygen cylinders.
Acton expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Rural County Grant Program in completing this project within San Juan County, Utah.
