Telehealth Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Telehealth Awareness Week.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and in recent years, telehealth services have added tremendous reach and value to communities across the country, especially in rural America.

As a former healthcare professional who spent nearly 30 years serving rural populations, I appreciate how telehealth has increased access to care across rural communities like those that I am proud to represent.

It is essential that we protect this vital resource as a viable option for patients.

During my time in Congress, I am proud to have led efforts to expand telehealth services for veterans and members of the armed services and their families.

To continue this progress, last year I introduced the bipartisan HEALTH Act to cut red tape and permanently allow community health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services to their patients, including audio-only appointments for Americans who may not have access to broadband or the necessary technology to complete video appointments.

Mr. Speaker, telehealth is a crucial resource for providing care in underserved communities, and I will continue to advocate for the expansion of this essential resource.

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