Recent Press Releases

Washington, DC —  Senator John Thune today announced the United States Department of Agriculture has approved a $500,000 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant for Avera Health in Marshall, Spink, Walworth, Roberts, Chares Mix, Hutchinson, Jerauld, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Brown, Davison, and Yankton counties.

"I'm pleased to announce this important funding that will boost telehealth services for thousands of residents in eastern South Dakota," Thune said. "Telehealth is an important innovation that promises greater access to high-quality health care with reduced costs for patients and health care providers throughout the state."

Avera Health will use this Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant for computed teleradiology with remote access to physicians and distance education through video-conferencing equipment for patients and healthcare professionals. Benefits to rural residents include a reduction in health care disparities due to access to radiological and other specialty healthcare. Healthcare providers will benefit from having a system available for timely and accurate diagnoses of medical conditions. The project will benefit over 73,000 residents of eastern South Dakota.