SC New York News

Congressman Nick Langworthy of New York announced grants totaling over $1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program. Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville will receive $278,734, while Erie-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES will be granted $775,620.

In a statement, Congressman Langworthy expressed his commitment to rural communities in Western New York and the Southern Tier, emphasizing the impact of the funding on healthcare and education in the region. He stated, "This funding for Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Erie-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES will have an incredible impact on our region's access to quality healthcare and educational resources."

Langworthy also highlighted his efforts to support the reauthorization of the grant program through bipartisan legislation, aiming to enhance healthcare and education infrastructure nationwide. He introduced the Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act to reauthorize the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, which connects rural communities to telemedicine and distance learning services.

The grant awarded to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital will facilitate connections with outside providers for specialty consultation and care, benefiting patients of the Emergency Department and Medical-Surgical unit and impacting approximately 4,296 patients. On the other hand, the funding for Erie-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES will enhance educational opportunities in Chautauqua County, southern Erie County, and part of Cattaraugus County. The investment in video-telecommunications equipment is expected to benefit 7,055 students by expanding course offerings, including Native American instruction in Seneca art, culture, history, and language.

The grants secured by Congressman Nick Langworthy are set to make a significant difference in the provision of healthcare and education services in Western New York and the Southern Tier.