BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–Several healthcare providers in Western New York will receive federal funding to provide telehealth services to patients during the pandemic.
Congressman Brian Higgins announced Tuesday the award of $803,135 is being distributed through the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program.
The following facilities received awards:
Elmwood Health Center Buffalo, NY
- $128,789 For a remote patient monitoring platform, remote diagnostic and monitoring equipment, and tablets to provide telehealth video consultations and remote diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Niagara Falls, NY
- $35,640 For laptop computers to use telehealth systems to provide a wide range of services in the areas of primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, and mental health, and to permit providers to communicate with patients in real-time on symptoms, mental health issues, and other medical conditions.
OLV Human Services Lackawanna, NY
- $174,840 To support the cost of connected devices and telemedicine solutions used to remotely treat COVID-19 vulnerable populations using video telehealth applications throughout Erie and Niagara counties.
Spectrum Human Services Orchard Park, NY
- $463,866 For laptops and other connected devices to provide urgent medical care using telehealth resources to divert unnecessary hospital presentations and reserve hospital-based services for individuals who need heightened levels of care.
“Telehealth opens up a new avenue to expand access to healthcare for patients at a time when social distancing is recommended for the protection of public health,” Higgins said.
The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program has distributed $68.22 million in funding to 185 nonprofit and public healthcare providers across 38 states and Washington, D.C. to date.
Troy Licastro is a digital content producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here.