California Telemedicine & eHealth Center

News Update

FCC Rural Health Care Pilot Program Funding Awards

The Federal Communications Commission has announced a $417 Million initiative to increase access to health care in rural areas through the build out of broadband infrastructure to support 69 regional and statewide telehealth network projects, to be constructed in 42 states, including California.

“CTEC along with numerous other public and non-profit organizations worked to make the California Telehealth Network project a reality and we are pleased that so many will benefit from this grant,” said Christine Martin, Executive Director of CTEC.

The network will receive a total of $22.1 million over three years to fund broadband connectivity, building the backbone necessary to enhance the delivery of health care services in support of rural and underserved California communities. This statewide network will be managed by the University of California Office of the President and by UC Davis and will be used to improve access to care, as well as to provide a resource for emergency services and disaster preparedness.

To learn more about the rural Health Care pilot program, please visit:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/rural/rhcp.html.