MIDMICHIGAN VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION RECEIVES MORE THAN $400,000 IN TELEMEDICINE GRANTS

LANSING, Feb. 5, 2007 – USDA Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett recently presented a ceremonial grant check for $412,722 to the MidMichigan Visiting Nurse Association to help enhance its telemedicine capabilities.

“For many rural residents, MidMichigan Visiting Nurses Association is a lifeline to outside help and vital health care,” said DeRossett.  “USDA Rural Development is pleased to help them provide this essential service and improve the quality of life for rural residents.”

The grant is part of more than $1.3 million in grants provided by the agency in 2006.  The money will help MidMichigan VNA provide additional monitoring capability for its technicians, allowing them to keep better track of homebound rural residents.  The funds will also purchase upgraded computers, laptops and personal digital assistance, further helping provide health care professionals with up-to-date patient information.

MidMichigan VNA provides home health care and hospice serve to residents in Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon and portions of Bay and Saginaw counties. 

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity, liquidity, and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/

CUTLINE FOR PHOTO – USDA Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett (center right) presents a ceremonial grant check for $412,722 to MidMichigan Visiting Nurse Association President Christine Chesny.  DeRossett is joined by Don Couzens (left) of the USDA Rural Utilities Service and Dusty Houser (right) from the staff of U.S. Sen. Carl Levin.

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