A day set aside each November by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, National Rural Health Day 2020 will be celebrated on November 19. On this day, the “Power of Rural” will help bring light to the unique health care challenges faced by rural citizens. With almost 57 million Americans living in rural communities, this is a terrific opportunity to showcase efforts to address these challenges. At NTCA and the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), we are proud to celebrate the collective work of the association and our members in creating solutions to help meet the health care needs of individuals across rural America.
The NTCA Group Health Program (GHP) is doing its part in many ways, including a partnership with Teladoc® to provide more than 40,000 individuals in the GHP medical plan with access to telehealth services. These virtual services were expanded in July when the GHP Trust Committee added behavioral health services. This comes at a critical time when there is a heightened need for mental health services to help support individuals facing stress, anxiety, job pressures, substance abuse and other issues.
FRS is making a significant impact by supporting the health care needs of veterans in our rural communities across America. Through the Virtual Living Room® grant program, veterans can access a private, comfortable space to utilize U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) telehealth technology. By providing broadband and connections to skilled medical providers through this program, veterans enjoy reduced travel time and increased access to valuable online resources. In October, NTCA member Ben Lomand Connect partnered with FRS and others to establish a Virtual Living Room at American Legion Post 207 in Spencer, Tennessee. “We are honored to be a part of this fantastic venture,” said Ben Lomand Connect CEO and General Manager, Lisa Cope. “So many men and women who served their country don’t have convenient access to vital VA health services, but through a fast, secure broadband connection, we can bring those services to them.”
Read more about Ben Lomand Connect’s new Virtual Living Room. Funds are available through FRS for additional Virtual Living Room sites in approved locations.
Creating discussions with other community groups, including rural health care stakeholders, is a priority for NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. Recently, she talked with Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, on the importance of rural critical care centers. The role of broadband and technology to deliver specialty care and emergency support is especially crucial to areas served by rural critical care centers, where health care inequalities can mean the difference between life and death. Listen to the Critical Connections - Rural Healthcare webinar recording (member login required) to hear the entire dialogue.
Read other articles from the November 2020 issue of Benefits Report.