USDA Awards SWOSU $1 Million to Implement Telemedicine/Telehealth in Rural Oklahoma

1-542

January 13, 2023

SWOSU Press Release

Through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center has been awarded a $1 million grant to buy equipment to implement telemedicine in LeFlore County and Western Oklahoma counties over the next three years.

In the first year of the grant, SWOSU is collaborating with Eastern Oklahoma Memorial Center (EOMC) in Poteau (LeFlore County) by putting telemedicine equipment in six rural public-school locations in LeFlore County. The use of telemedicine equipment to provide medical services to schoolchildren and faculty in rural communities will be instrumental in improving healthcare concerns in the rural setting. The total populations of the towns that are being served in the first year of the grant is over 15,000 people with 2,500 students.

SWOSU will also have telemedicine equipment on the Weatherford campus in the School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, and the Health and Wellness Department to provide student training and opportunities. Through the purchase of telemedicine equipment, SWOSU will expand its resources to serve more students and communities, helping to reduce the shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas and providing the university’s Diabetes Prevention Program to the state of Oklahoma. This equipment will allow the Health and Wellness Department to provide telehealth visits with medical providers and opportunities for training with SWOSU students.

In the second and third years of the grant, SWOSU’s goal is to serve 18 rural schools in western Oklahoma counties. The total populations of the towns that are being served in the second and third years is over 50,000 people with over 12,000 students.

SWOSU looks forward to bringing telemedicine/telehealth resources to Oklahoma’s rural communities.

Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2504221333_181431

Local Librarian is Tennis Titan

By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – Joni (Jordan) McConnell is the most successful Elk City High School tennis player of all time. McConnell’s parents, both teachers, played tennis and put her on the courts with them

2504221120_3280053

OSDH “Healthy” Awards Announced

Lawton, Okla. – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has announced the 2024 Certified Healthy Oklahoma awardees, recognizing outstanding efforts in promoting health and wellness throughout the state. Among the honorees, schools and organizations from Beckham,

2504221101_1836321

Severe Weather Possible in Western Oklahoma

Western Oklahoma – Western Oklahoma residents—especially those in Beckham, Custer, Roger Mills, and Washita counties—should stay weather-aware through the rest of this week. The Storm Prediction Center continues to highlight the region with ongoing risks for severe

2504151148_2274380

SWOSU’S LPN to BSN Program Ranked 2nd in Oklahoma

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)’s LPN to BSN program has been ranked 2nd in the state for 2025 by PracticalNursing.org. PracticalNursing.org evaluates programs across the country that offer pathways for licensed

2504151135_2836086

SWOSU Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumni

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees. Known as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by