USDA has awarded two telemedicine grants totaling $998,356 to Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Center for Telehealth to fund the deployment of telemedicine equipment and services across six counties in rural New Hampshire and seven counties in rural Vermont. The grants were awarded through USDA’s Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service.
A grant for $500,000 will be used to expand the technology infrastructure including software and equipment and to purchase telemedical equipment for 18 sites in New Hampshire. The system is projected to provide access to medical services for more than 5,000 residents.
The second grant for $498,356 will be used to purchase telemedical carts for eight sites in New Hampshire and 15 sites in Vermont. These areas include rural acute care hospitals, ambulatory care sites, rehabilitation sites, and behavioral health centers. Medical facilities in seven Vermont counties and six New Hampshire counties will benefit from the grants.
“Our efforts in telehealth particularly in our telestroke program is already showing positive results for patients”, said Sarah N. Pletcher MD Director of the Center for Telehealth. “Through various telehealth offerings, the Center is committed to connecting healthcare providers and patients throughout Northern New England and beyond.”
For more information, go to www.rurdev.usda.gov/nh-vtHome.html.