Building Telehealth Capacity for Agricultural Workers in Idaho
GrantID: 56822
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Capacity Gaps in Idaho’s Agricultural Community
Idaho has a unique geographical challenge, characterized by vast rural expanses with limited healthcare access. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, over 50% of Idaho's residents live in rural areas, leading to a critical shortage of healthcare providers. This shortage severely affects agricultural workers, who often have limited mobility and face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services.
Who Faces These Barriers Locally
Agricultural workers are a vital component of Idaho’s economy, making up a considerable part of the state's workforce. Many of these workers are engaged in labor-intensive roles that require a specific understanding of their health needs. They often experience workplace injuries, chronic health conditions, and mental health challenges, yet face immense barriers to accessing care. Language barriers, lack of transportation, and limited availability of local providers exacerbate these issues.
How Funding Addresses It
This funding initiative aims to enhance telehealth resources specifically for agricultural workers in Idaho, linking them to healthcare professionals without the need to travel for hours. By providing technology-enabled healthcare solutions, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap created by geographic isolation and mobility issues. Virtual consultations, follow-up care, and mental health support services can be delivered directly to these workers, significantly improving their access to necessary care.
Through telehealth, agricultural workers can receive timely healthcare support, from routine check-ups to specialized services. This initiative not only aims to improve the health outcomes of agricultural workers but also to reduce the economic impact of untreated health issues, thereby contributing to a more robust agricultural sector.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to educate agricultural workers on how to utilize these telehealth resources effectively. Training sessions and promotional materials in multiple languages will be made accessible, ensuring that all workers understand the services available to them and how to navigate the technology effectively. This effort will be crucial in reducing healthcare disparities and cultivating a healthier workforce in Idaho's agricultural sector.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements