WASHINGTON, D.C. —  U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today announced a new federal grant totaling $388,574 to help strengthen telehealth services across Central Virginia, support providers’ purchases of equipment for virtual healthcare appointments and patient monitoring, and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

This grant was awarded to the University of Virginia Health System as part of the third round of funding provided by the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) COVID-19 Telehealth Program.

“Since the pandemic began, UVA Health has worked tirelessly to meet the demands for increased telehealth services and deliver high-quality, virtual care to Virginia patients. These pioneering — and lifesaving — efforts will only stand to be strengthened through this award,” said Spanberger. “I have long advocated for the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program, because I understand the importance of allowing Virginia patients to maintain a direct link to their healthcare providers, keep up with routine appointments, and stay safe during the pandemic. This new funding is much-deserved, and I look forward to following UVA Health’s progress as it maintains its position as a leader in affordable and reliable telehealth services.”

“UVA Health is honored to have received this award from the Federal Communications Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth Grant program. This funding will enable us to provide expanded outreach to patients across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Karen S. Rheuban, Director, University of Virginia Center for Telehealth. “We are exceptionally grateful to Congresswoman Spanberger, who championed this additional funding in the COVID-19 relief package advanced by Congress. Her tireless efforts in support of telehealth stand to improve access to care for all Virginians.”  

Last month, Spanberger announced a grant of more than $300,000 for Bon Secours’ telehealth services through the second round of the FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program’s funding distribution.

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has long recognized the importance of this program for Central Virginia seniors, families, and healthcare providers. Last year, after the FCC announced that all the original funding from the March 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) had been distributed, she led the introduction of bipartisan legislation with U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL) to restart the program and continue improving access to critical telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her push, similar legislation passed as part of the bipartisan consolidated appropriations package that was signed into law by former President Donald Trump in December 2020.

In April 2020, the FCC established the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to support the ability of healthcare providers to continue serving patients by providing reimbursement for telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

###