More help coming to diabetes patients

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some help from Uncle Sam will help western New York expand its services for diabetes patients.

The Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York has been awarded a federal grant totaling $1 million. The money will help the VNA bring its tele-health program to Chautauqua and Genesee Counties. The program provides care for diabetes patients living in rural areas.

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul says this kind of service has the potential to expand all over New York, saying, "We can be the first in the country to bring this kind of health care opportunity to our citizens, particularly senior citizens who have access problems. They cannot access health care facilities in the cities when they live in these small towns and veterans as well."

The tele-health program will team up with three medical offices in Chautauqua and Genesee Counties.