The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of USDA Rural Development has announced it is accepting applications for its Distance Learning Telemedicine (DLT) Grant through March 14, 2016.
Recent DLT grants in Nevada have been awarded to the Yerington and Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribes. The Yerington Tribe received a DLT grant that allowed their Health Center to add video teleconferencing for remote health care consultation. The Pyramid Lake Tribe was recently approved for a DLT grant that will allow them to develop a Tele-Pharmacy service for multiple locations in northern Nevada.
Projects must be designed to provide access to education, training and/or health care resources for rural Americans. Prior DLT grants cannot be renewed, however existing DLT awardees can submit applications for new projects, which will be evaluated as new applications.
Nevada was named a Strike Force state in 2011, which means the state is targeted for enhanced service to underserved areas. Due to its Strike Force status, Nevada DLT projects are eligible for Special Consideration Points.
The DLT is a competitive national grant. The minimum grant amount is $50,000; the maximum grant amount is $500,000. Funding must be used for telecommunications-enabled information, audio and visual equipment, and advanced technologies that extend educational and medical applications into rural areas. Grant applications must demonstrate matching contributions (in cash or in kind) of at least 15% of the total amount of financial assistance provided. Vendor Discounts are ineligible forms of match.
The RUS has scheduled DLT webinars for prospective applicants Jan. 27, Feb. 2 and Feb. 18. Pre-register by contacting Deborah Anderson or Gayle Buckner at (202) 720-0800.
In addition, Nevada General Field Representative Rocky Chenelle will hold a DLT Grant Workshop in Las Vegas at 9 a.m. on Feb. 9, and in Carson City at 9 a.m. on Feb. 11. To pre-register, contact Rocky at (530) 379-5032. You may also visit USDA's DLT Web site for more information.