Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congressman James Comer (KY-01) announced Thursday that U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding Owensboro Health a $460,820 grant to expand rural telemedicine services.
Owensboro Health will use the grant funds to purchase and install 22 telecommunications units for telehealth services at 10 sites in five rural counties that Owensboro Health currently serves. The goal of the Owensboro Health Telehealth Project is to eliminate a geographic barrier in order for rural residents to access health care services. This will reduce the time and cost associated with travel, therefore shortening the time between symptoms, diagnosis, and proper treatment. This grant will also help Kentuckians in rural areas access care to specialists, who are often located in urban areas.
“As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, I have seen firsthand how telemedicine is the future of patient care,” said Guthrie. “This grant money will allow rural Kentuckians to have faster, more affordable access to health care services. I look forward to seeing the results.”
“It’s imperative that Kentuckians who reside in rural areas are able to access vital healthcare services,” Congressman Comer said. “I’m grateful the United States Department of Agriculture recognizes the need to expand telemedicine in rural areas like mine and Representative Guthrie’s. Many of my constituents rely on rural telehealth services to coordinate their healthcare needs, and these grant funds for Owensboro Health will go towards accomplishing just that in Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg and Ohio Counties in Kentucky’s 1st District. I was glad to have the opportunity to work with USDA to support their application, and I’m eager to see the improvements to patient treatment through this funding.”
“This grant will open new doors for Owensboro Health to carry our mission into every corner of our region, improving access and lowering costs for the people we serve,” said Greg Strahan, president and CEO of Owensboro Health. “An expanded telemedicine program is the kind of innovation that can transform rural healthcare by allowing people to receive high-quality care close to home. We are extremely grateful for the leadership of Congressman Guthrie, the support of Rep. Comer and our congressional delegation, and the dedication of Owensboro Health Foundation to make this grant possible.”
