Eleven Louisiana library systems will soon offer much-needed access to telehealth services thanks to $50 thousand in grants from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, in partnership with ConnectLA. State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says these grants will help bridge the gap with healthcare and technology in rural cities…
“The money’s going to be used for better internet connectivity, portable EKG monitors, laptops, tablets, even some libraries will have private booths where people can come in and do a virtual doctors visit with their provider.”
Patrons will be able to access telehealth solutions in Beauregard, Cameron, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, St. John the Baptist, Ouachita, Union, Vermillion, Washington, and West Baton Rouge parishes. Monteverde says this is the first step in closing barriers in the digital divide and healthcare for people who may not be able to afford it…
“There is kinda’ a digital divide here in Louisiana but the one place that is kind of a community hub for people is a parish library and so it was kind of a no-brainer really to kind of connect the two and get these services that people need.”
Monteverde says this may be a more comfortable way for some people to access care that’s just as effective as an in-person visit. He points out research shows when people have access to a doctor virtually, they are more likely to access care.”
“The libraries they’ve got the checks now. They are in the process of buying the equipment that they need to make this happen. So for anyone that’s looking for these services. Some services may be around sooner than later.”
Library systems with telehealth services can be found at state.lib.la.us/public-library.
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