WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Representative Andy Harris, M.D. (all Md.) announced the award of $51,425 to expand telehealth services at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Maryland. This award will allow Atlantic General to purchase a telehealth platform subscription and equipment to safely deliver health care, screen patients for COVID-19 symptoms, and connect patients with 45 additional primary and specialty providers.

“By enabling Atlantic General Hospital to conduct COVID-19 screening and routine health services remotely, this federal investment will help to curb the spread of the virus and protect the health of vulnerable residents in need of care,” said Senator Cardin. “Telehealth is a valuable tool to improve access to high-quality health care, especially in medically underserved areas of Maryland.”

“Expanding telehealth services has been a critical part of our health care system’s COVID-19 response, especially for patients living in rural or underserved areas,” Senator Van Hollen said. “We will continue working to ensure that providers can deliver safe, high-quality care to all Marylanders.”

“As a physician, I understand the benefits provided by telehealth services, particularly for rural communities on the Eastern Shore.  I applaud the award of these funds and will continue to work to ensure rural access to quality health care,” said Representative Harris.

Atlantic General Hospital is a non-profit hospital serving residents and visitors on the Eastern Shore, including nearby Delaware and Virginia. Funding comes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The delegation has announced previous awards through the program for Johns Hopkins Health Systems, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Greater Baden Medical Services. 

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