Maine gets $2.5M for telemedicine programs
Four rural school districts, a community health organization and the Rockland-based Island Institute have received more than $2.5 million in grants for telemedicine programs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development office announced on Thursday the recipients of its highly competitive Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program — the largest dollar amount awarded in the county.
The Island Institute, a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the economy of Maine islands, received $499,796 from the USDA to help continue its mission.
The funds will be used to purchase video conferencing devices and hub equipment for science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs at 15 island and coastal schools. They will also help teachers receive professional development training and certification, and provide college-level courses to adults for certification and post-secondary training.
The Island Institute and College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor will serve as educational hubs for schools in Chebeague Island, Islesboro, Long Island, Matinicus Island, North Haven, Bar Harbor, Trenton, Southwest Harbor, Isle au Haut, Frenchboro, Bass Harbor, East Machias, Jonesport, Cranberry Isles and Deer Isle.
Rob Snyder, president of the Island Institute, said this is a “tremendous opportunity to expand the capacity of some of the country’s most isolated schools to engage more learners of all ages and to help teachers share innovative solutions to educational challenges.”
“The USDA Rural Development has been a huge champion of this effort in the past,” he continued, “and the new Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant will give a significant boost to Maine island and remote coastal communities.”
Other recipients of USDA's grant include:
• Community Health and Counseling Services for $103,235;
• Maine School Administrative District 54 for $499,278;
• Maine School Administrative District 37 for $490,625;
• Maine School Administrative District 61 for $496,078;
• and Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 for $498,907.
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