POTSDAM – St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS) recently received a $615,545 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) COVID-19 Telehealth Program grant.

SLHS was among 67 nation-wide healthcare institutions to receive a portion of over $20 million. SLHS will use the funds for laptop computers, a telehealth platform, and a remote patient monitoring platform. These products will offer real-time video and audio consultations for patients who are remaining distanced from in-person care during the pandemic, and to expand remote patient monitoring infrastructures in rooms of hospitalized patients.

“Since the adoption of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, the FCC has acted quickly to review applications and approve funding so more patients can be treated safely,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

“Utilization of Telehealth Program funding will allow St. Lawrence Health System providers to continue providing care for our most vulnerable patient populations by providing access through virtual visits, and not requiring in-person visits at our clinic locations,” stated SLHS Vice President of Physician Practice Management Sinéad Ingersoll. “Telehealth also provides a platform to safely assess patients with COVID-19 type symptoms, without potentially exposing staff and other patients.”

“Furthermore, the utilization of telehealth will allow us to continue to safely care for patients with comorbidities (two or more simultaneous chronic diseases) and other vulnerable patient populations, such as the elderly or those who are immunocompromised,” Ms. Ingersoll added.

The Canton-Potsdam Hospital Foundation submitted the grant application on behalf of SLHS.

Those interested in supporting patient care in their community may contact Canton-Potsdam Hospital Foundation Director April Grant at 315-261-5418.

To learn more about the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program and view a complete list of funding recipients to date, visit https://www.fcc.gov/covid19telehealth.