TNBA Member Provides Veterans Access to Telehealth

Ben Lomand Connect partners to create ‘Virtual Living Room®’

Even during a global pandemic, Tennessee Broadband Association members are finding ways to make a difference in their communities.

Ben Lomand Connect partnered with the Foundation for Rural Service and others to provide fiber broadband for a “Virtual Living Room®,” a comfortable, private space for military veterans to access telehealth appointments with their VA health care provider.

“We are honored to be a part of this fantastic venture,” says Lisa Cope, CEO/general manager at Ben Lomand Connect in McMinnville. “So many men and women who served their country don’t have convenient access to vital VA health services, but through a fast, secure broadband connection, we can bring those services to them.”

The Virtual Living Room® will be a private space located within American Legion Post 207 in Spencer where veterans can conduct virtual health care and therapy sessions.

“This is just one of the many ways our members are using broadband to enrich the lives of those living in their communities,” says Levoy Knowles, executive director of the TNBA. “Broadband brings vital health care services right into the living rooms of so many in rural Tennessee.”

The Virtual Living Room® is an innovative partnership between the Foundation for Rural Service, CoBank, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, American Legion Post 207 and Ben Lomand Connect.

A Virtual Living Room® can be installed at local libraries, churches, community centers or other locations unique to each rural area. Communities located more than an hour away from a VA clinic or hospital, and within the service territory of an NTCA member, are qualified to apply for grant funding.

For more information or to apply for a $5,000 grant to support the creation of a Virtual Living Room®, visit www.frs.org/virtuallivingroom.