[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 146 (Thursday, September 19, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TELEHEALTH WEEK

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  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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