Media Contact: Katie Gorscak, (202) 418-2156 katie.gorscak@fcc.gov For Immediate Release ACTING CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL MEETS WITH UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA TO DISCUSS TELEHEALTH Commissioner Geoffrey Starks Joined Rosenworcel for Visit Highlighting Vital Role of Connectivity for Specialty Care -- WASHINGTON, February 2, 2021—Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today held a virtual visit with the University of Virginia (UVA) Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth to highlight the importance of connectivity in healthcare and learn more about how the program is using telehealth to serve patients during the pandemic. For over 20 years, UVA has used advanced technologies and broadband communications to facilitate access to specialty medical care, connecting UVA doctors with patients throughout Virginia and around the globe. Rosenworcel was joined by her colleague FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks for a discussion with Dr. Karen Rheuban, director of the UVA Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth, and her team to learn more about their latest work in the areas of stroke care, high-risk pregnancies, and remote monitoring for long-term care and patients with chronic conditions. “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented extraordinary new challenges and opportunities for patients and doctors,” said Rosenworcel. “Telehealth can be a solution to help address inequities in access to care. If the past year has shown us anything, it’s that telehealth technology is here to stay. The FCC will continue to work to expand affordable access to broadband, so that health care providers across the country can support their communities well into the future.” “Telehealth services like those provided by the Karen S. Rheuban Center have never been more critical, as they allow providers and patients to meet high quality standards and stay safe during this historic pandemic,” said Commissioner Starks. “I’m grateful for the longstanding efforts of the Rheuban Center and the FCC staff to expand these vital services.” "Telehealth has made it easier for thousands of Virginians to access the care they need, and the FCC's longstanding support has enabled us to reach underserved residents of the Commonwealth," said Rheuban. "We are grateful for the Commission's new Connected Care Pilot Program that will further enable us to provide remote monitoring and clinical care to vulnerable patients at home." The University of Virginia was one of 14 initial pilot projects who have been selected for the FCC’s Connected Care Pilot Program. Overall, this Pilot Program will make available up to $100 million over a three-year period for selected pilot projects for qualifying purchases necessary to provide connected care services, with a particular emphasis on providing connected care services to low-income and veteran patients. Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel is committed to closing the digital divide and sees access to telehealth care services—especially for underserved and marginalized communities—as a top priority. To learn more about telehealth efforts at the FCC, including the COVID-19 Telehealth Program and the Connected Care Pilot Program, visit: https://www.fcc.gov/connecting-americans-health-care. ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).