Southwestern State University’s College of Pharmacy has received a $1 million USDA telemedicine grant.
The award will provide telemedicine equipment to rural schools across the state according to the announcement by US Rep. Frank Lucas, SWOSU President Dr.. Diana Lovell and SWOSU Center for Rural Health Director Dr. Randy Curry.
“Bridging the digital divide isn’t just convenient for our communities- it’s necessary if we’re going to ensure our rural neighbors have the same access to health care, learning opportunities, and economic growth as our suburban neighbors,” said Rep. Lucas in making the announcement.
“SWOSU looks forward to bringing telemedicine/telehealth resources to Oklahoma’s rural communities,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell. “The university is so appreciative of this amazing grant that will assist our SWOSU College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center.”
In collaboration with Poteau Public Schools and Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center, the SWOSU Center for Rural Health will make use of these funds to enhance their existing telehealth programs in southeast Oklahoma and will facilitate the expansion of telemedicine programs in 18 public schools and rural communities in western Oklahoma.
The total population of the towns that are being served is over 50,000 people with over 12,000 students. The towns include: Arapaho, Arnett, Burns Flat, Cheyenne, Clinton, Cordell, Elk City, Erick, Fargo, Hydro, Reydon, Sayre, Shattuck, Sweetwater, Taloga, Thomas, Vici and Weatherford.