WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, as well as the Co-Chairman of the Senate Broadband Caucus, applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to approve the application of Wirt County Health Services for $274,432 in support of telehealth services for West Virginia residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This funding from the FCC will allow health care professionals to provide services remotely to COVID-19 positive patients. The services provided will include primary care, behavior health, and dental services.

“As our state continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has proven itself to be a critical factor in our response. Telehealth gives our medical professionals the ability to provide crucial medical services to patients who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, or who are limited due to logistical restrictions. Last month, I joined FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to discuss improvements in West Virginia’s broadband access, how that will open the door for telehealth services, and the difference it will make to West Virginia’s access to health care providers in the future. I am very encouraged to see this support from the FCC coming into our state, and look forward to the positive impact that it will create,” Senator Capito said.

“With Senator Capito's leadership, Congress fast-tracked funding for a new telehealth initiative. Her work is already paying off with a health care provider in Elizabeth, West Virginia receiving federal funding today from the FCC to serve patients in Wirt and Jackson Counties. Senator Capito's telehealth efforts are helping to support the healthcare heroes in West Virginia that are on the front lines battling COVID-19,” FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said.

 

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