| U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the
Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $457,568 from the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to support the telehealth program at Minnie Hamilton Health System.
Earlier this year, the Senators introduced legislation to make the current audio-only telehealth
flexibilities permanent to ensure rural and underserved community healthcare providers are able
to continue offering audio-only telehealth services after COVID-19.
âMinnie Hamilton Health System is very appreciative of Senator Manchin and Senator Capitoâs
support of the FCCâs COVID-19 Telehealth Program project that was recently awarded to our
community health center. Due to the assistance and guidance of the West Virginia Primary Care
Association and the Senatorsâ offices, we now have additional resources to serve our patients via
telehealth,â Brent Barr, CIO of Minnie Hamilton Health System, said. âThe funding will support
our mission of improving the health quality of life through innovation by providing our patients
convenient access to providers and specialist without having to drive hours to larger cities.â
The COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds will provide reimbursement for activities related to
the upgrades of the telephone system, broadband access, internal network, expanded Wi-Fi
access, and improved guest networks. | 
