Federal grant aims to make Telehealth more accessible in rural Alabama [Video]

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – Telehealth access for rural parts of the state is expanding thanks to a federal grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The USDA has awarded the Alabama Department of Mental Health a grant for the Telehealth Expansion Project which aims to make healthcare more available in rural areas. The grant will specifically go to expanding telehealth treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Out of the nearly 5 million Alabamians, more than 43 percent live in rural areas, with many of those facing gaps in behavioral health care, according to the ADMH.

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“The Alabama Department of Mental Health is expanding access to care for all Alabamians every day,” said ADMH Commissioner Kimberly Boswell. “But we recognize the unmet demand for substance use disorder treatment, especially in rural areas of our state. This grant will help to reach underserved populations by delivering essential substance use …