A successful application for the San Juan County Rural Community Grant Program (RCGP) has resulted in funds to help pay for an oxygen generation system for Blanding’s Mountain West Medical Supply. This new piece of equipment has already been purchased and the business is working to get it into production. Eric Acton, manager of the Blanding company, reports the new machine produces 96% pure oxygen at a rate that will fill 20 H tanks per day. 

For reference, an H tank is the size tank you might see at a welding shop. An H Tank stands about 51 inches tall and is about as big around as a salad plate. The H tank holds just over 7100 liters of oxygen.  Most private consumers who are carrying oxygen with them are using tanks that hold 40 and 80 liters of oxygen. 

Acton feels the addition will grow Mountain West Medical Supply in the short term but really has potential for growth over the next couple years. He sees the numbers as upping the need for 1 or 2 additional drivers very soon, for delivery and pick up. 

Byron Clark, Chief Operating Officer of Utah Navajo Health Systems, and also an RCGP board member, commented on the award to Mountain West.  “The rural healthcare system in San Juan County supports any effort to bring services closer to home for our patients. Oxygen supply in our community has always been a concern. This project will bring better care and improved convenience to our patients and our care providers. We are excited to see its positive impact.”

For Mountain West it could result in noticeable gains where the bottom line is concerned.

Acton gives his estimation, “The increased revenue will be substantial particularly past year one as we transition to being completely self-reliant as it pertains to compressed oxygen cylinders.  The annual cost of the machine will be roughly 1/3rd of the cost of a provider delivery.”

He continued, “We appreciate so much the help of the Rural County Grant Program in securing and seeing this project finished here in San Juan County Utah.”