U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that USDA is investing $42.5 million in 133 distance learning and telemedicine projects in 37 states and two U.S. territories. USDA is providing the funding through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program.
These investments will benefit 5.4 million rural residents.
Helen Newberry Joy Hospital will receive a $500,000 grant to buy telemedicine equipment for three sites at Newberry, Engadine, and Curtis in Luce and Mackinac Counties. Mammography equipment will be upgraded, improving cancer detection. Almost 3,100 patients are expected to be served during the first 3 years of the program.
Congressman Jack Bergman was pleased.
“I’m thankful for this Administration’s continued investment in rural counties within the First District. This grant provides needed upgrades to critical mammography equipment, and increases access to healthcare services in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.”
Also, Ortele LLC is receiving a $99,978 grant to implement a telemedicine project to address opioid misuse, provide continued professional education and general medical care. A hub site will be located in Wayne County and will connect to sites located in Gogebic, Mackinac, Luce, Monroe, Lenawee and Marquette counties. It will serve 44,000 rural residents.
Applicants eligible for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants include most State and local governmental entities, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits, for-profit businesses and consortia of eligible entities.
“Modern technology has created a virtual bridge linking Michigan’s far-flung communities,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Jason Allen. “These projects will link nearly 50,000 rural residents to better education and health care services.”
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Supporting the rural workforce was a cornerstone recommendation of the task force.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy said:
“Distance learning and telemedicine make it easier for thousands of rural residents to take advantage of economic, health care and educational opportunities without having to travel long distances,” LaVoy said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their quality of life, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
