What Would Lincoln Think? USDA Rural

Development“The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves in their separate, and individual capacities.” -Abraham Lincoln

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program

Definitions and Purpose

• DLT Grants are not just a way to obtain educational technology or medical equipment. The focus is on using the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect rural areas to each other and to the world, thus overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

Distance learning means a curriculum delivered via telecommunications and stresses the connection of students and teachers at remote sites.

Telemedicine means the delivery of health care from medical professionals at one site to patients at other sites via telecommunications. Telemedicine shows benefit to rural residents either in reduced travel or access to services.

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DLT Grant Program Eligible Applicants

• Corporation or a partnership; tribal nation or organization a state or local unit of government; a consortium; or other legal entity. For-profit or not-for profit entity able to contract with the US Government.

• Applicant must operate a rural community facility or deliver DLT services to entities that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas at rates calculated to ensure that the benefit of the financial assistance passes through to such entities or to residents of rural areas.

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DLT Program FY 2014 Submission Dates

• Grant Programs - Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program:• Grant programs are announced through an annual

competitive application window, typically in the Spring or Summer - announced through a Notice in the Federal Register and on the RUS website• FY 2014 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program

has yet to be scheduled for open period. Regulation changes • FY 2013 Distance Learning and

Telemedicine Grant Program application window opened on June 28, 2013 and closed on August 12, 2013.

FY 2014 Funding Budget = $19.3 M

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The DLT Grant ProgramTypical Projects

• Educational services provided through video-conferencing systems is the most common project for distance learning, including distance learning services to schools, colleges, universities and other institutions

• Telemedicine – many different types of projects are possible:

• Visiting nurse services and other projects that involve diagnostic/remote monitoring links from patient homes to health professionals elsewhere; tele-radiology; tele-dentistry; tele-pharmacy; virtual ICU

• Projects can be a combination of distance learning and telemedicine (e.g. medical services and medical education)

• Program information and success stories are available on the website at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UTP_DLT.html

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Contact Information

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USDA/Rural Development - IllinoisMarion Office – Rusty Wanstreet, Area Director

502 Comfort DriveMarion, IL 62959

(618) 993-5396 ex 125http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/il

Primary ContactChristopher L. Collins

General Field Representative601 Business Loop 70W, Suite 235

Columbia, MO 65203(573) 208-0574

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RUSTelecomPrograms.html

USDA/Rural Development - IllinoisState Office – Colleen Callahan, State Director

2118 W. Park Ct., Suite AChampaign, IL 61821

(217) 403-6200http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/il