Georgia Mountain News

Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) introduced a bipartisan resolution today, declaring the week of September 15, 2024, as Telehealth Awareness Week.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), John Curtis (R-UT), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). It aims to recognize the impact of telehealth in delivering healthcare services across the United States, particularly to seniors and those living in rural areas, and to encourage continued use and adoption of this service.

“Telehealth has the potential to bring qualified health care professionals to every home in America, regardless of how far away they live from their provider. The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized this important technology, but it is critical that we continue to advocate for widespread adoption so that telehealth services are available to all who need them. We all want quality, affordable, and accessible health care, and telehealth helps us get there,” said Rep. Carter.

“Telehealth has become an essential part of our health care system, allowing Americans to access care more efficiently,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Telehealth Awareness Week resolution, which not only calls attention to the benefits of telehealth but also recommits Congress to extending access to this vital service permanently. I look forward to continuing to work with this bipartisan group of telehealth champions to ensure every American has access to high-quality, life-saving health care.”

"Telehealth has proven essential for Utah's rural communities, bringing critical healthcare services to those who might otherwise go without," said Rep. John Curtis. "This resolution reinforces our commitment to expanding access and ensures that rural Utahns continue to receive the care they deserve. As we celebrate Telehealth Awareness Week, let's remember the importance of connectivity and healthcare innovation in maintaining the health and well-being of all Americans."

“Since my days in the California State Senate, I’ve been a big believer in telehealth’s ability to save money, time, and lives,” said Rep. Thompson. “It’s great to join Representatives Carter, Curtis, Matsui, and Sewell to mark Telehealth Awareness Week. Telehealth allows patients—especially those with low mobility or who otherwise can’t make it to the doctor’s office—to access the care they need when they need it. Expanding Americans' access to telehealth’s vital services just makes sense.”

“Telehealth has proven to be an effective tool for bringing health care services directly to Alabama communities who would otherwise lack access,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “That includes seniors, people with disabilities, and those living in rural communities. We must continue prioritizing adopting this technology so that we can improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable Alabamians.”

“Telehealth has increasingly become a favored and accessible way that Americans receive their healthcare; that is why I was glad to join Rep. Carter in introducing the Telehealth Modernization Act earlier this year to permanently extend telehealth flexibilities first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester, member of the House Health Subcommittee. “The bipartisan support of the Telehealth Modernization Act and this Telehealth Awareness Week resolution shows our commitment to making sure that everyone—especially our seniors and those in rural communities—get the care they need. I join in raising awareness on this important service and will always champion ways of expanding telehealth.”

In March, Rep. Carter introduced the bipartisan Telehealth Modernization Act which ensures continued access for Medicare beneficiaries and extends these flexibilities federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.

Read the full resolution text here.