Sarbanes, Cardin, Van Hollen and Harris Announce Funding to Expand Prison Telehealth Services

Statement

Congressman John Sarbanes joined Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D (all Md.) today in announcing $16,143.76 in federal funding for Anne Arundel and Somerset Counties to bolster telehealth services for up to 7,000 individuals who are incarcerated.

"Individuals who are incarcerated face unique health challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing the availability and flexibility of health care is central to ensuring that they have humane conditions to serve out their sentences," said the lawmakers. "Telehealth services will expand access to necessary behavioral services that will help individuals who are incarcerated get the care they need, regardless of their location or that of their provider. Everyone deserves access to quality health care."

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and will be used over a period of three years for individuals who are incarcerated to access care including substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment through video conferencing with psychiatric and medical professionals.

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