Grant will help support patients who do not have access to critical technology
RUTLAND, VT (October 20, 2020)– The VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region has been awarded $4,680.00 through the Rotary Foundation COVID-19 Recovery Global Grant to help purchase much-needed technology to help the agency adapt to the changing realities of providing home health care and hospice during an epidemic
A $35,000 Global Grant was secured by Rutland City Rotary, Rutland South Rotary, Killington Pico Rotary, and West Rutland Rotary in partnership with the Rotary District and Rotary International and distributed to eight local organizations. Rutland City Rotary Foundation Director, Kevin Loso was key to securing the Global Grant.
“The intent of the Rotary Global Grant was to help local organizations,” said Will Gormly, President of Rutland City Rotary. “The VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region was on the list because they cater to a population at greater risk of Covid-19 infection. Our thought process was that the telemedicine equipment we helped fund would allow VNA clients to have access to nursing support while helping patients and nurses to avoid potential exposure. We believe the equipment offers a lifeline of connection when they might not otherwise be able to leave the house.”
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Rotary to help us expand our telehealth offerings to our patients,” said Ron Cioffi, RN, and CEO of the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. “COVID-19 has caused us all to re-think how we act, how we connect, and how we care for one another. Telehealth visits will become more and more common in the days and years ahead. Our goal with this grant is to purchase six iPads that we can use with patients who do not have computers or Wi-Fi service that is needed for telehealth visits and remote patient monitoring.”