WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced two grants totaling $733,767 to expand health care services across Northern Michigan.  The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.

“These funds will allow for improved medical care of Northern Michigan residents as well as increased educational opportunities for rural health care providers,” Stupak said.  “I am pleased the USDA has made this investment to strengthen rural health services by investing in up-to-date technology and critical resources for our health care providers.”

Marquette General Health System has been awarded $272,555 for video conferencing equipment to connect six rural hospitals and clinics to the health system.  The project will replace existing equipment with high resolution technologies to support telemedicine and distance learning throughout the region.  Health facilities in Baraga, Gogebic, Luce, Iron and Houghton Counties will benefit from the new equipment.

Mid Michigan Visiting Nurses Association: Michigan Home Care has been awarded $461,212 to purchase equipment for a mobile telemedicine system that will allow home care providers to transmit and monitor the health status of 740 cardiac post surgical patients and hospice patients over a rural 12-county area, including Arenac, Bay, Gladwin and Ogemaw Counties.

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program provides access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas. 

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