WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced a $100,079 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program that will expand telemedicine in five West Virginia counties. Funding will go to the CAMC Health Education and Research Institute to help physicians provide obstetrical care remotely to West Virginians in Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Nicholas, and Webster counties.
“In 2015, I launched my Capito Connect plan to emphasize the importance of connectivity in improving the lives of West Virginians and to close the digital divide in our state,” Senator Capito said. “Access to high-speed internet is essential in the effort to expand health care services, like telemedicine, in rural areas. This funding will help expecting parents access important prenatal and postpartum care and is indicative of the endless opportunities made possible by increased connectivity. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have been a strong supporter of the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program, and I will continue to fight for resources to improve the connectivity and the lives of West Virginians.”
“Investing in maternal health is an important step in ensuring every West Virginia child is given the opportunity to succeed,” Senator Manchin said. “Every West Virginian deserves access to quality healthcare and this grant will improve healthcare access for expecting mothers and their babies in Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Nicholas and Webster counties.”
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