Rural Utah to Receive Expanded Distance Learning and Telemedicine Services with USDA Investment

USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Randy Parker today announced that USDA is investing in two projects to help rural patients and students connect to professional resources.

“The prosperity of America’s rural cities and towns is influenced by the health and education of America’s rural citizens,” Parker said. “The two awards we’re delivering today will help make sure our rural neighbors can see the best doctors and learn in the best environments, no matter where they are.”

USDA awards these grants through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program for two organizations in Utah which will benefit more than 200,000 rural residents. This program increases access to job training, educational, and health care services in rural areas nationwide.

IHC Health Services will use a $285,252 grant to provide critical care, stroke, oncology, neonatal, crisis counseling and disease consultations to four critical access hospitals located in San Juan, Sanpete, and Sevier counties. This project will ensure medical services are available on a timely basis and will allow more patients to receive care in or near their home communities.

Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) will use a $153,760 grant to implement a distance learning project that will provide advanced classes to students in regional high schools. UBTech will operate from hubs in Uintah and Duchesne counties to connect to rural area schools. This project improves student outcomes and increase student access to accelerated curricula.

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/ut.