Press Releases

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded Southwest Virginia Community College, based in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, a $999,868 grant. The funding will support the deployment of audio and visual equipment and equip sites throughout Tazewell, Buchanan and Russell Counties. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“One educational challenge for rural communities is their lack of access to distance learning and broadband.

“This USDA Rural Development grant for $999,868 helps equip instructors at Southwest Virginia Community College with audio and visual equipment so they can administer courses related to substance abuse, mental health and workforce development.”

BACKGROUND

The funding is made available through the USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program, which directs grant funds to eligible applicants that will help rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other - and the world – and overcome the effects of remoteness and low population density.

Southwest Virginia Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a state-wide system of community colleges with a physical service area covering the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson (partial), Russell, and Tazewell.

As a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, which overseas issues that pertain to healthcare and telecommunications, Congressman Griffith has advocated for greater access to telemedicine and highlighted the potential benefits telemedicine provides to many rural communities.

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