Newburgh. Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital to receive $749,385 in federal funding for telehealth services

U.S. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced late last week that $8,619,219 in federal funding to implement telehealth services has been awarded in hospitals and health care systems throughout New York State.

The funding was allocated through the Federal Communications Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program and will be used to implement web-based telehealth platforms, purchase remote-monitoring equipment and improve internet connectivity in order to minimize unnecessary trips to overcrowded hospitals and emergency rooms.

Schumer said: “Telehealth services are essential in protecting the safety of New York’s front-line workers and increasing the accessibility of vital medical services.”

Gillibrand said: “COVID-19 continues to strain hospitals and health care providers throughout New York State. This investment in telehealth will allow patients to stay connected with their doctors without risking COVID exposure from an in-person visit.”

Thirteen hospitals and health care agencies in the state will share in the $8,619,219, with St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx receiving the largest amount at $998,624 and Evergreen Health in Erie County with the smallest at $160,806.

The only health care operation in Orange County to receive a share of this funding is Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. The $749,385 will be used to purchase of smart TVs, tablets, cameras and other devices that will allow health care workers to communicate virtually with patients and co-workers.