Building Telehealth Access Capacity in Rural Missouri
GrantID: 4421
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $20,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Tracking Rural Connectivity for Telehealth Services in Missouri
In Missouri, rural areas face significant challenges in accessing telehealth services, primarily due to inadequate broadband connectivity. With approximately 25% of Missouri residents living in rural regions, many households do not have reliable internet access, hindering their ability to utilize telehealth options effectively. This digital divide is particularly acute in areas like the Ozarks and Bootheel, where healthcare providers are sparse and patients often must travel long distances for in-person care.
Key stakeholders facing this issue include rural residents, health care providers, and local governments striving to improve healthcare delivery in their communities. Rural residents, especially those with chronic illnesses or mobility issues, often find it difficult to access healthcare services. Healthcare providers in these regions also face obstacles in reaching their patients, compounding the challenges for rural health systems.
This funding opportunity aims to establish a data-driven assessment of broadband connectivity across rural Missouri to improve telehealth service access. The project will collaborate with technology firms and local healthcare organizations to gather data on connectivity patterns, internet service availability, and the specific needs of healthcare providers and patients in these areas. This work will help to identify gaps in service and inform policy decisions that prioritize connectivity improvements.
The outcomes expected from this initiative include enhanced telehealth access and overall health outcomes for rural Missourians. Improving broadband connectivity will open doors to telehealth services that can be pivotal for rural residents, particularly as healthcare delivery increasingly shifts towards virtual platforms. This is vital for ensuring that rural communities receive equitable health services in comparison to urban areas.
By effectively assessing and addressing connectivity gaps, Missouri sets itself apart from neighboring states where telehealth access may not be as prioritized through data-driven methodologies. This initiative will serve as a vital step towards closing the digital divide and enhancing healthcare access for all Missourians.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
