U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the University of New Hampshire this week to host a town hall attended by more than 100 faculty, students, and staff as well as local agricultural producers, leaders of non-profit organizations, and state and federal officials from across the region. The Secretary’s remarks focused on the importance of small and medium-sized farms—which dominate New England’s agricultural landscape—as well as the well-being and resiliency of rural communities.
During his visit, Secretary Vilsack highlighted a recent USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant received by UNH. In November, the Center for Digital Health Innovation received nearly $130,000 to provide video conferencing technology and virtual reality equipment to be used for rehabilitation services in Strafford, Sullivan, Carroll, and Grafton counties in New Hampshire and Kennebec County in Maine. This grant will allow medical professionals at the UNH Telehealth Practice Center to deliver virtual reality-based rehabilitation via video, also called tele-rehabilitation.
“We know that rural Americans face unique challenges in accessing health care in their communities,” said Secretary Vilsack. “USDA, with the support of the Biden-Harris Administration, has devoted significant resources to make it easier and more convenient for rural communities to receive health care services without having to make long drives or delay care. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to the long-term prosperity and vitality of rural America, and to making sure younger generations know they don’t have to leave home to create a good life in the communities they love.”
