Scalise Announces Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Funding for Louisiana
Press Release
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $5,457,474 in Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants throughout Louisiana:
"Online learning and telemedicine appointments have become more common since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and this announcement by USDA will help expand needed telemedicine and remote learning services throughout my district. I would like to thank the Trump Administration for awarding this important funding that will increase access to health care services and educational opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana."
Investments in Louisiana's First Congressional District include:
LVMA, LLC -- $999,904:
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase interactive video conferencing equipment to deliver new telemedicine services to 50,000 people in 28 counties in Louisiana. This will allow rural sites such as nursing homes and schools to leverage partnerships with rural health clinics and other providers to provide televisits, eliminating the need for in-person visits. It will also increase access to primary and specialty care. Patients will be able to receive primary care in their home or receive a specialty visit from a distant provider through local rural health clinics.
Access Health Louisiana -- $426,194:
This Rural Development investment will be used to expand a telecommunications system for seven rural Louisiana parishes, including both distance learning education and telemedicine services provided to patients of all ages with the highest connectivity currently available. The focus is also on opioid treatment and needed to provide expanded primary care and behavioral health access and services to predominantly low-income patients. The providers are the frontline first responders of the health care delivery system and opioid epidemic in Louisiana.
Southeastern Louisiana University -- $173,920:
This Rural Development investment will be used to provide telehealth and distance learning services via synchronous audio and visual technology across five rural Louisiana parishes. Through this grant, Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) will establish telehealth clinics/training centers at four Northshore Technical Community College campuses as well as a telehealth clinic/training center at North Oaks Hospital Wellness Clinic.
Click here for a full list of Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants.
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