Vermont Business Magazine North Country Hospital has been awarded a $1,100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand telehealth services for patients across the Northeast Kingdom.
This major investment will help bring more healthcare options to our rural communities by making it easier for patients to connect with specialists without long waits or long drives.
Better Access for Patients
The grant will support new equipment and technology that make it possible for patients to see doctors and specialists through telehealth.
This includes:
- Support for New Radiology Group – Remote radiologists can review imaging studies around the clock, often delivering reports within minutes to hours, which is critical for emergencies like strokes, trauma, or internal bleeding. This speed reduces diagnostic delays, enabling faster treatment decisions in the ER or inpatient settings.
- Mental Health Services for Emergency Room – Tele-psychiatry visits will connect patients to licensed providers when care is needed most.
- Neurology Services to support Emergency Room – Tele-neurology bridges this gap by providing round-the-clock consultations, allowing ER staff to connect with board-certified neurologists within seconds to minutes.
- Modern, Reliable Tools – Updated equipment will make telehealth visits easier and more secure.
Why It Matters
For many people in rural Vermont, getting specialized care often means long waits or long trips out of town. With this grant, North Country Hospital can reduce those barriers by:
- Helping patients get care faster and closer to home.
- Cutting down on costly and stressful hospital transfers.
- Allowing doctors and specialists to work together more effectively.
- Making the most of every healthcare dollar by using technology that can serve many needs.
A Stronger Future for Rural Health
“This funding helps us do more with less,” said Tom Frank, CEO of North Country Hospital. “Patients in our community will now have easier access to psychiatric, neurological, and radiology care without having to leave the area. It’s about better care, less travel, and more support for families here at home.”
The $1.1 million award is an investment in the future of rural healthcare. By expanding telehealth, North Country Hospital can ensure patients receive high-quality care in their own community—bringing big-city medicine to the Northeast Kingdom.
Newport, VT — August 22, 2025 — North Country Hospital
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