August 27, 2021

Wyden, Merkley: La Clinica to Receive $123,792 Federal Telehealth Grant for COVID Services

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that La Clinica del Valle Family Health Center in Medford has secured a $123,792 federal grant to help provide telehealth services to its patients in southern Oregon during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I saw and heard firsthand last week in southern Oregon the painful and punishing toll this pandemic continues to take on patients and providers,” said Wyden, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “I’m gratified these resources are heading to La Clinica so this standout federally qualified health center can build stronger telehealth connections with patients. The past year-and-a-half has highlighted the importance of telehealth, and I’ll keep battling to secure support throughout our state for this proven means of delivering health care.”

“While the pandemic has made it difficult to receive in-person medical care, telehealth has become a vital tool for healthcare providers and patients across the state,” Merkley said. “This grant will help La Clinica expand their telehealth abilities and be innovative in their approach to serving Oregonians who have disadvantages getting to medical appointments. I will continue fighting to bring resources to Oregon that will ensure better health services during this pandemic and beyond.”

The grant from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) COVID-19 Telehealth Program for La Clinica is for laptops, mobile devices and a telehealth platform to provide health services to all patients, while targeting low-income, uninsured, and/or Spanish-speaking patients at its neighborhood health centers and mobile health center.

“We’re so grateful for this funding,” said La Clinica Chief Operations Officer Tara Kirk. “As a result of it, we’re able to stay connected with patients through video visits no matter where they are, and that’s been critical to our efforts to provide consistent care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s such a gift.”