(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines University's getting a $2 million dollar grant for telehealth training. The CARES Act money will be matched with more than $2 million dollars in local investments, and is expected to create 678-jobs. The project will allow Des Moines University to buy equipment for a telehealth training center.
The center is currently being designed with assistance from a regional health care system. Students will be able to train with simulated and live patients to advance telehealth workforce training objectives.
The funding is from the U-S Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.
“EDA is committed to helping communities across the nation implement strategies to mitigate economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will help train Des Moines area healthcare providers in telehealth technologies critical to responding to the pandemic, while also preparing students for the future of healthcare.”
“I’m very happy Des Moines University has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration for their brand-new telehealth training center,” said Senator Chuck Grassley. “This is great news for the students in our state who will learn from this cutting-edge technology and Iowa families who will ultimately benefit from this type of care,” Grassley said. “Having access to advanced telehealth programs is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic and as we look forward. It’s also critical for Iowans to continue to have a variety of care options.”
“Telehealth has provided millions of Americans the opportunity to continue receiving medical care without putting themselves at risk during a pandemic and provided a glimpse at the future of 21st century medicine,” said Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03). “Telemedicine gives our medical providers the opportunity to provide care at a lower cost to patients with more efficiency, and I’m pleased to see this multi-million dollar investment from our last COVID-19 relief package coming back to Iowa to help train the professionals who will help make telehealth a permanent feature of our health care system.”