AHI is seeking partners interested in a joint submission for the recently announced US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant. Awards to successful applicants (e.g. the AHI joint application) may range from $50,000 to $500,000.
Grant Description
To overcome the effects of remoteness and low population density, the USDA’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant program helps rural communities use telecommunications to connect beyond their region. Grand funds can be used for:
- Acquisition of eligible capital assets, such as:
- Audio, video and interactive video equipment
- Terminal and data terminal equipment
- Computer hardware
- Inside wiring and similar infrastructure that further DLT services
- Acquisition of instructional programming that is a capital asset
- Acquisition of technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment
Why important to the North Country
The cost of equipment is often an obstacle for practices interested in offering telemedicine to their patients. As the NYS Department of Health recently announced that services delivered via telehealth are eligible for reimbursement by commercial insurers and the Medicaid program, now is a key time to invest.
Criteria
According to the USDA, applicants will be scored on their ability to meet the following required criteria:
- Rural Area (Rurality) This criterion measures rural benefit.
- Economic Need (NSLP) This criterion measures the general economic need of the area through the use of statistics from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Matching Funds (Leveraging) The DLT program requires a minimum match of 15%. Higher matches receive more points.
More Information
Please contact Caitlyn Huntington at [email protected] for information to join in the grant application. The AHI deadline is January 26, 2016.
