May 13, 2020

Manchin Applauds FCC Approval Of Wirt County Health Services Telehealth Program Application

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of Wirt County Health Services Association/Coplin Health System’s application for $274,432 to provide telehealth services to West Virginians 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.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare providers and patients to adjust to new appointment formats, including telephone-based appointments and video-based meetings with their healthcare providers. On April 17th, I wrote to the FCC to advocate for the Wirt County Health Services application for funding to provide West Virginians with telehealth services, and today the FCC approved their application,” said Senator Manchin. “This is great news for Wirt County and will help ensure our fellow West Virginians receive the care they need during this crisis. I will continue to advocate for health providers across West Virginia to receive the funding and support they need during this pandemic.”

“Coplin Health Center is excited to receive funding for the FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program. These funds are vital to our organization as we expand our capabilities for telehealth services in primary care and behavioral health. Through this program we will make upgrades to our clinics that will ensure all patients, including COVID-19 positive patients and high-risk populations like our elderly, can continue to access healthcare services with minimal risk to themselves or others. We are grateful to the FCC for supporting our efforts in helping provide quality healthcare to rural West Virginia communities. We also want to express our appreciation to Senator Manchin and other state representatives for their continued support for healthcare throughout the State of West Virginia during this difficult time in our history,” said Rob Dudley, CEO of Coplin Health Systems.

Wirt County Health Services Association in Elizabeth, West Virginia, was awarded $274,432 to provide health services remotely, including primary care, behavioral health, and dental services, to COVID-19 positive patients in Wirt and Jackson Counties, West Virginia, and Meigs County, Ohio, to minimize the spread of the virus and to prevent high-risk and vulnerable populations from contracting the virus.