U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann today highlighted two grants to support improved access to healthcare through telemedicine programs.
“Access to high-quality healthcare is a fundamental component in our mission to improve rural prosperity,” said Vann. “The investments we’re making today will help increase access to doctors and other specialists for thousands of residents, regardless of their rural location.”
Hazel Health partners with schools throughout the nation to offer healthcare to students through a telemedicine program. A $270,375 grant will help Hazel Health expand their services to 76 elementary, middle and high schools located in Nevada and Georgia.
Landon Pediatric Foundation will use a $174,480 grant to expand its telemedicine network in American Samoa to eight locations. The project will help connect residents to specialists and other healthcare resources at the Ventura County Medical Center in Calif.
Funding for these grants is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. This program increases access to job training, educational, and health care services in rural areas nationwide. Eligible applicants include most state and local governments, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits, for-profit businesses and consortia of eligible entities.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca and follow us on Twitter at @CaliforniaRD.