[1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants in NM

[Richard Lowenberg]

Three awards were announced in New Mexico.

Feb. 25, 2021
https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-invests-42-million-distance-learning-and-telemedicine-infrastructure-9

New Mexico Highlands University:  $510,363
This Rural Development investment will be used to create a distance 
learning hub/enduser site at the main campus in Las Vegas, and at a 
second end-user site in Mora, N.M.  The system will eliminate barriers 
to higher education for residents of remote communities in San Miguel 
and Mora counties. This funding will enable New Mexico Highlands 
University to offer remote courses and to implement remote student 
support programs (especially for STEM students). In addition to 
equipping the remote site, the project will fund the purchase of 
computers configured specifically for distance learning. These computers 
will be loaned to students. The Mora site also be made available to 
community members for activities such as workforce development.

Tanya V Marin PC:  $263,640
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase telemedicine 
equipment to help Santa Teresa Children's Day and Night Clinic implement 
a comprehensive healthcare and wellness programs. Six fully-equipped and 
upgraded telemedicine carts will be provided to five hub/end-user sites. 
These sites include three elementary schools and two community clinics. 
Each site will have the capacity to receive primary care services for 
children and adults, women's health, and mental health and behavior 
services, including substance misuse prevention and treatment. The sites 
are expected to serve approximately 14,000 people in Dona Ana, Socorro, 
Sierra and Union counties.

Ben Archer Health Center Inc.:  $153,963
This Rural Development investment will be used to provide remote 
medical, dental and
behavioral health care services for underserved and uninsured patients, 
and distance learning education for health care professionals in Dona 
Ana, Luna, Otero and Sierra counties. An interactive system involving 
telemedicine carts with accessories will enable live audio-video 
interactions between health care professionals and patients.  
Teleconference equipment for conference rooms will facilitate distance 
learning and group sessions, and laptops for medical, dental and 
behavioral providers will be used to provide services to patients in 
rural communities.



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Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director
1st-Mile Institute     505-603-5200
Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504,
rl at 1st-mile.org     www.1st-mile.org
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