CIT To Map Broadband Usage in the
Commonwealth’s Healthcare Sector

(July 23, 2010)- The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), in its capacity as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s designee for broadband mapping strategy and implementation initiatives is partnering with the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, the Office of Health IT, and numerous agencies and organizations to gather detailed information on broadband availability and usage at healthcare facilities (hospitals, specialized clinics, nursing and custodial care facilities, practitioner sites, and health agencies) across the Commonwealth. These facilities, denoted as community anchor institutions in key federal broadband funding initiatives and in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, will be asked to participate in an interactive online survey to analyze both current uses and future needs for broadband to improve healthcare delivery.

The survey results will provide healthcare and government leaders with a detailed view on both existing broadband availability and key gaps where broadband development would benefit the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in the Commonwealth. The effort will also help to promote healthcare sector awareness of broadband availability and funding opportunities.

The survey will be available through the Commonwealth’s broadband website www.wired.virginia.gov beginning in mid-September, and information will be gathered through the end of October. E-mail notifications containing a link to the survey will be distributed, however, those who do not receive an e-mail but are interested in participating, can access through a link on www.wired.virginia.gov. For those without internet connectivity, paper surveys will be made available. For additional information on this initiative, please contact Caroline Stolle at Caroline.stolle@cit.org or 804-692-2556.