Grant links healthcare providers

6/12/2009
By: Marvin Jones

     An $18 million grant to Horizon Telcom to build a state-of-the-art fiber optic network in 13 southern Ohio counties has ramifications far beyond the linking of 120-plus healthcare facilities with broadband services.

The Southern Ohio Health Care Network announced Wednesday the awarding of the grant to Horizon from funds coming from the Federal Communications Commission. The network started in 2006 when O’Bleness Health System in Athens and the Holzer Health Systems in Gallipolis joined Adena Health System in the venture.

“The connectivity will allow area (healthcare) providers to participate in telemedicine initiatives, progressive community health record projects and the regional health information organization,” according to the press release. Phase I is to wire 13 of the 34 counties served by the network and connect the providers from the 500-plus mile fiber system, including the 200 miles already in place.

In addition to linking the healthcare providers, this initiative will bring metropolitan-class broadband service availability to businesses, educational site and government offices in the region. Wireless internet service providers will receive discounted rates to improve the pace of broadband deployment in the rural areas.

“This is a substantial step in laying the groundwork for my Connecting Appalachia effort to bring broadband access to rural expanses of southern and eastern Ohio,” said Rep. Zack Space who was credited by the network for his support of the initiative. The network also partnered with Gov Ted Strickland, the area’s development districts and civic, educational and business leaders.

Broadband allows healthcare providers to more readily share information to help their patients. “These advancements provide physicians and healthcare providers with tools needed to conduct consultations and view radiology, laboratory and other diagnostic tests from one site to another,” said Marcus Bost, the chief information officer at Adena.