October has been a busy and rewarding month for the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC), filled with engaging events and impactful educational initiatives. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished in October and what’s coming up next.
October In Action: A Look Back at Our Highlights
SCTRC Attends Tennessee Primary Care Association (TPCA) Annual Conference
On October 2, 2024, Amy Moses, Senior Program Manager at SCTRC, attended the TPCA Annual Conference in Franklin, TN. The “Sustainability in Motion” event focused on innovative approaches and best practices to ensure community health center sustainability in a dynamic healthcare environment. Despite some attendees being unable to attend due to Hurricane Helene, the conference brought together 76 CEOs, administrators, and clinical representatives from across Tennessee to discuss practical solutions for community health centers.
SCTRC Leads Telehealth Training for CHWs in NW Arkansas
On October 17, 2024, the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC) led a telehealth training for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Northwest Arkansas. Led by Melony Stokes and Terri Imus, the training focused on the role of CHWs in promoting telehealth access. Participants learned how to advocate for virtual visits, use remote patient monitoring devices, and received guidance on telemedicine billing. This training supports SCTRC’s mission to improve healthcare access in rural communities through telehealth.
SCTRC Collaborates with St. Mary's Regional Health System
On October 2, 2024, SCTRC collaborated with St. Mary’s Regional Health System in Russellville, AR, to host a group of 16 international scholars from the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI). The scholars toured the facility and participated in educational sessions focused on telehealth technology and its applications. They witnessed live demonstrations, including a Telecart mock demonstration of a stroke patient led by Tim Tanner, ER Nurse Manager & Stroke Facilitator for St. Mary’s Regional Health System in Russellville. One scholar shared their appreciation: “The training and service are unmatched, indeed worth the travels and I deeply appreciate the opportunity.”
SCTRC Contributes to Telehealth Utilization Study in Arkansas
A recent study titled Using Data Analytics for Telehealth Utilization: A Case Study in Arkansas highlights key factors influencing telehealth adoption across the state. The research, led by Aysenur Betul Cengil, Burak Eksioglu, Sandra Eksioglu, Corey J Hayes, and Cari A Bogulski, includes contributions from Hari Eswaran, Co-Director of the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC). The study examines how demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as broadband access and education, have shaped telehealth usage, offering important insights for future healthcare policies to expand telehealth services.
SEARCH 2025 Call for Abstracts is Open!
Abstract submissions for SEARCH 2025 – The National Telehealth Research Symposium will close on October 31st! We are currently seeking Poster and Oral Presentations. Focus categories include, but are not limited to: Research, Policy, Education, Administration, and State of the Art. To submit your abstract for SEARCH 2025, visit SEARCHSociety,org/SEARCH25!
On The Horizon: Exciting Events and Initiatives Ahead
- Join us for the upcoming session of UMMC’s Project ECHO Dermatology. This training will focus on Biopsy Breakdown: An Overview of Shave/Punch Biopsy Techniques, offering valuable insights and CEU credit for healthcare professionals. Cost: Free
- To register for the meeting, please email echo@umc.edu.
- You can also join the Zoom session from your PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device: Zoom Session
Thursday, November 14th | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (CST) – CISA Services: Federal Cybersecurity Resources for Telehealth
- Join the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center for an insightful webinar on cybersecurity resources for telehealth providers. This session will feature Travis Light, Cybersecurity Advisor for CISA Region 8, who will discuss key tools and services available through the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Health Sector Coordinating Council, and the joint CISA/HHS Cybersecurity Toolkit. Topics will include vulnerability scanning, cyber risk assessments, and free cybersecurity training. Cost: Free
- To register for the webinar, visit: Zoom Session
Friday, November 15th | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (CST) – TeleBehavioral Health: Working with Interpreters via Telehealth
- This webinar will provide mental health professionals with an understanding of best practices and practical tips when working with interpreters via telehealth. Topics covered will include an overview of language justice and language access and their importance, best practices when working with interpreters in therapy, practical strategies to effectively work with interpreters via telehealth, and information on next steps if your agency does not currently offer interpreter services via telehealth. Cost: Free
- Presented by:
- Regan Stewart, PhD – Associate Professor, bilingual (English/Spanish) Clinical Psychologist, and Director of the Telehealth Outreach Program for Traumatic Stress at the Medical University of South Carolina.
- Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo, PhD – Associate Professor and certified bilingual (Spanish/English) Clinical Psychologist at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina.
- To register, visit: Zoom Registration
Tuesday, November 19th | 10:15 am – 1:30 pm (EST) – Telemedicine Applications and Services
- On Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 10:15 am to 1:30 pm (CST), the Arizona Telemedicine Program will host a free webinar on Telemedicine Applications and Services. The session will cover a variety of telehealth topics, including Tele-Pediatrics in Global Communities, Telepsychiatry, Telehealth and Nursing, Telehealth and Physical Therapy, Telehealth and Occupational Therapy, and the Tele-Infectious Disease Clinic. This webinar is designed to provide healthcare professionals with practical insights into the growing role of telemedicine across different healthcare fields. Cost: Free
- To register for this event, visit: Registration
Wednesday, November 20th – Friday, November 22nd – 29th Annual Mississippi Rural Health Conference
- The Mississippi Rural Health Annual Conference is the state’s largest event focused on rural healthcare, and this year, it will be held at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Participants can attend in-person or virtually, making it accessible to all. This year’s conference offers exceptional educational sessions, presentations from healthcare leaders and elected officials, and outstanding hospital quality and leadership recognition. The event will also feature a Rural Health Fellows Recognition Banquet and the Mississippi Rural Physician Scholars’ Poster Contest, providing an opportunity for networking, education, and celebrating achievements in rural health. Cost: $150
- For registration and a full agenda, click here. Venue: Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Dr. Briggs Hopson Blvd, Vicksburg, MS 39180
- Phone: 601-630-2929
Thursday, November 21, 2024 – National Rural Health Day 2024
- The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) invites you to join communities across America in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on November 21, 2024. SCTRC will proudly join the nationwide effort to recognize the impact of telehealth in rural communities. This year’s event themed around the “Power of Rural,” will honor individuals and organizations working to meet the unique healthcare needs of rural populations. Cost: Free
- For more information or to register, visit the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health website: https://nosorh.org/.
Join The Movement: Stay Connected with SCTRC
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our October activities! SCTRC is committed to enhancing healthcare access through telehealth, and we invite you to stay involved. Be sure to subscribe to our blog for monthly updates and news about upcoming events.
At SCTRC, telehealth means bridging healthcare gaps to ensure quality care for everyone.
