USDA Rural Development Announces $125, 773 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant to UPMC

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4, 2011 – Thomas P. Williams, USDA Rural Development State Director, announced that UPMC in Pittsburgh received a $125,773 grant award to enable patients at eight rural medical facilities in north central Pennsylvania to link directly to UPMC specialists at two primary UPMC hubs to acquire surgical assessments and physician consultations. Rural physicians and healthcare providers will be able to connect directly to specialists for consultation and to take part in medical seminars and training.

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program provides access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas. “This funding is critical to connecting rural hospitals in Western Pennsylvania to new technology and educational resources and will ultimately improve health care services for residents,” said Williams.

Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.

USDA, through its national Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

For more information on programs offered by USDA Rural Development, contact the Pennsylvania State Office at (717) 237-2299 or visit its website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/pa.