May 20, 2020

Manchin Applauds FCC Approval Of Lincoln County Primary Care Center Telehealth Program Application

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of Lincoln County Primary Care Center’s application for $967,304 to procure telehealth carts, network hardware and software upgrades, and diagnostic equipment to provide telehealth services to West Virginians at 18 rural sites during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Financial Services & General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees the FCC’s budget, Senator Manchin helped support $200 million in funding for the telehealth pilot program through the CARES Act.  

“Healthcare providers and patients have adjusted to new care systems due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including telephone-based appointments and video-based meetings between providers and patients,” said Senator Manchin. “On April 17th, I wrote to the FCC to advocate for the Lincoln County Primary Care Center application for funding to provide West Virginians with telehealth services, and today the FCC approved their application. This approval is great for Lincoln County residents and will help West Virginians receive the care they need during this pandemic. I will continue to advocate for funding to help our healthcare providers across the Mountain State so they can care for their fellow West Virginians during this crisis.”

“We are thrilled to have been approved for this telehealth funding from FCC. This funding will allow Lincoln Primary Care dba Southern West Virginia Health Systems to implement a Telehealth network supporting all 18 locations. This funding will allow for a comprehensive platform that will include support of COVID-19 prevention, testing and treatment initiatives. The Telehealth Core systems will provide a network capable of allowing various devices the ability to connect back to our health systems from a patient’s location using a variety of self-owned or provided equipment ensuring the greatest level of flexibility in servicing our patients. We greatly appreciate the support received from Senator Manchin’s for these funds,” said Lisa King Leach, CEO of Southern West Virginia Health System.