Rural hospitals receive FCC help to build "telehealth" network

Madison, Wis. - The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative will receive up to $1.6 million as part of the Federal Communications Commission's new $417 million initiative to construct 69 statewide or regional broadband "telehealth" networks, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

The network will be built in 42 states and three U.S. territories under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program. St Joseph's in Chippewa Falls is the second grantee in Wisconsin, receiving up to $655,000.

Broadband deployment is one of the commission's top priorities, particularly in rural America, and the initiative will increase access to acute, primary, and preventive healthcare in rural areas.

The pilot program will support the connection of more than 6,000 public and non-profit healthcare providers nationwide to broadband telehealth networks. Participating healthcare facilities include: hospitals, clinics, universities and research centers, behavioral health sites, correctional facility clinics, and community health centers.

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