GRAND RAPIDS, Minn (May 9, 2014) – Blandin Foundation announced today that it has awarded six grants totaling $147,750 that assist rural Minnesota communities in advancing high-speed Internet access and use in their communities.

Deer River Clinic will establish a telehealth demonstration site, with support of a $45,000 Blandin Foundation grant, to improve access to specialized medical care in the region. Through Essentia Health’s Telehealth system, the Deer River Clinic will now be able to offer early lung cancer screening, sleep study programs, and even weight loss programs to patients who are a distance away from a major medical center.

“This grant will bring medical sub-specialists to rural communities,” says Maureen Ideker, RN Director of Essentia Health’s Telehealth system. “People in Babbit, Remer, Grand Rapids, and Deer River will be able to talk and visit with our sub-specialists without driving for hours.”

Essentia Health-Deer River Clinic provides primary and specialty care to residents of Deer River, Minn., and the surrounding area. The clinic is an outpatient department of Essentia Health-Deer River and is connected to the hospital.

“Rural leaders know that connected communities are vibrant communities,” says Dr. Kathleen Annette, CEO of Blandin Foundation. “We are delighted to see Deer River Clinic using technology to improve care for rural Minnesotans.”

Since making rural broadband use and access a focus in 2003, Blandin Foundation has partnered with leaders in more than 60 communities and 80 organizations across the state to support sustainable broadband adoption to enhance quality of life and place.