USDA awards $25.8 million for distance learning, telemedicine

Rural Cooperatives, Nov-Dec, 2006

USDA Rural Development has awarded $25.8 million in grants for 103 distance learning and telemedicine (DLT) projects that will provide improved educational and medical services to residents of 38 states. Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr made the announcement during a USDA Rural Development-sponsored broadband telecommunications workshop in Charleston, W.Va.

"This program connects communities to medical services and educational opportunities they would not otherwise have," said Dorr. "Our focus is to ensure that all rural Americans have access to state-of-the-art services through our rapidly expanding telecommunications system."

USDA's DLT program was created to encourage, improve, and make affordable the use of telecommunications, computer networks and related technology for rural communities to improve access to educational and/or medical services. Fifty seven of the grants announced will fund projects designed to provide improved medical service and 46 will provide improved educational opportunities. Since 2001, 483 grants totaling over $166 million have been awarded under the program.

A complete list of the successful DLT applicants is available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.