Press Release
Posted:
Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-04), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Doris Matsui (CA-07), John Curtis (UT-03), and Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced their introduction of a bipartisan resolution declaring the week of September 15, 2024, as Telehealth Awareness Week.
The resolution aims to recognize the impact of telehealth in delivering health care services to patients across the United States, particularly seniors and those living in rural areas, and encourage continued use and adoption of this vital service.
“Since my days in the California State Senate, I’ve been a big believer in telehealth’s ability to save money, time, and lives,” said Rep. Thompson. “It’s great to join Representatives Carter, Matsui, Curtis, and Sewell to mark Telehealth Awareness Week. Telehealth allows patients—especially those with low mobility or who otherwise can’t make it to the doctor’s office—to access the care they need when they need it. Expanding Americans' access to telehealth’s vital services just makes sense.”
“Telehealth has the potential to bring qualified health care professionals to every home in America, regardless of how far away they live from their provider. The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized this important technology, but it is critical that we continue to advocate for widespread adoption so that telehealth services are available to all who need it. We all want quality, affordable, and accessible health care, and telehealth helps us get there,” said Rep. Carter.
“Telehealth has become an essential part of our health care system, allowing Americans to access care more efficiently,” said Rep. Matsui. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Telehealth Awareness Week resolution, which not only calls attention to the benefits of telehealth, but also recommits Congress to extending access to this vital service permanently. I look forward to continuing to work with this bipartisan group of telehealth champions to ensure every American has access to high-quality, life-saving health care.”
“Telehealth has proven essential for Utah's rural communities, bringing critical healthcare services to those who might otherwise go without,” said Rep. Curtis. “This resolution reinforces our commitment to expanding access and ensures that rural Utahns continue to receive the care they deserve. As we celebrate Telehealth Awareness Week, let's remember the importance of connectivity and healthcare innovation in maintaining the health and well-being of all Americans.”
“Telehealth has proven to be an effective tool for bringing health care services directly to Alabama communities who would otherwise lack access,” said Rep. Sewell. “That includes seniors, people with disabilities, and those living in rural communities. We must continue to prioritize the adoption of this technology so that we can improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable Alabamians.”
Rep. Thompson is the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Telehealth Caucus and has worked to expand telehealth access since his time serving in the California State Senate, where he led California’s passage of the first state telehealth access bill. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Rep. Thompson led bipartisan, bicameral legislation that immediately allowed seniors on Medicare to receive telehealth services for the duration of the public health emergency. Rep. Thompson also introduced legislation extending telehealth access through 2024, which was later signed into law. He continues to work to advance access to health care for all Americans.