USDA accepting telemed grant applications

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Agriculture Department's Rural Development said Monday it was accepting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program.

USDA Rural Development State Director Ryan Gleason said in a news release the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program in New Mexico saves lives and provides educational opportunities.

"(This) program has financed telecommunications equipment used by medical clinics to communicate with the trauma center at (University of New Mexico) hospital ... in Albuquerque," he said. "Also, high school students in rural communities have expanded their educational opportunities by taking college courses from universities and community colleges which are sometimes hundreds of miles away."

The program is designed to meet educational and health care needs in the rural United States by using advanced telecommunication technologies, the USDA said. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program provides financial assistance to encourage and improve services in rural areas.

The maximum amount of a grant award is $500,000 and the minimum amount is $50,000. The application deadline is March 24, 2009. Application guides and materials may be obtained at: http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm or by contacting the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program in Washington.