Comprehensive Healthcare has been awarded $421,748 by the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireline Competition Bureau to ensure continued access to behavioral health care. These funds will help the not for profit organization update tablets, mobile hotspots, laptop computers, videoconferencing equipment, and make network upgrades to provide medically necessary services to clients in-home, in-community, and in its facilities.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have been exploring every avenue possible to provide quality care to our clients in a safe and secure manner. This award will greatly assist us in continuing those efforts,” said Jodi Daly, Ph.D., President and CEO, Comprehensive Healthcare.
Comprehensive Healthcare was among 62 nation-wide funding applicants for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. According to a press release by the FCC, “health care providers in both urban and rural areas of the country will use this $23.25 million in funding to provide telehealth services during the coronavirus pandemic. To date, the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which was authorized by the CARES Act, has approved 367 funding applications in 45 states plus Washington, D.C. for a total of $128.23 million in funding.”
Daly says they plan to use the funds primarily for things like laptops for employees as well as headsets, tablets, and wireless internet hotspots so that individuals can communicate with their behavioral health provider remotely and securely. Comprehensive Healthcare is also exploring ideas in how to utilize telehealth to create a space where clients and staff can practice safe physical distancing while on site.
To learn more about the FCC COVID-19 Telehealth website, or view a complete list of award recipients, visit https://www.fcc.gov/covid-19-telehealth-program.
