CBS19

Representative Abigail Spanberger, D-Henrico, announced a federal grant of $100,000 to help strengthen telehealth services across Central Virginia.

This is aimed at helping underserved and rural communities lacking access to affordable health care.

The award is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will be disbursed through the department’s Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program.

It will support the work of the Virginia Rural Health Association, a nonprofit organization serving 2.5 million people living in rural areas in Virginia.

“For years, rural Virginians have been facing health care challenges like hospital and clinic closures, long wait times, and a shrinking number of doctors and specialists. During COVID-19, the barriers to accessing affordable health care have become even higher. Telehealth has become the only option for many rural seniors, families, veterans, and patients with chronic conditions,” said Spanberger. “Pandemic or no pandemic, living in a rural zip code should never condemn an American to going without the treatment and care they need. I’m encouraged by the emphasis that HHS has placed on telehealth services during this public health crisis, and I thank them for partnering with the Virginia Rural Health Association to provide telehealth solutions to more Central Virginians. This federal investment will help preserve the lifeline of telehealth for more of our rural neighbors as they live, work, farm, and raise their families during this challenging time.”