HARRISVILLE — The Ritchie County Primary Care Association was recently awarded nearly $1 million for the purchase of telehealth kiosks and software.

The Federal Communications Commission established a COVID-19 Telehealth program in April 2021 and the Ritchie County award was the second round of money awards.

So far, over $208 million has been awarded to health care providers in each state and territory.

Ritchie was one of 68 health care centers selected for funding. The kiosks will help with COVID-19 screening and primary care for vulnerable, low-income and elderly patients with chronic conditions, according to a press release.

“We are extremely grateful for the FCC Telehealth Funding. Ritchie Regional will use the funding to purchase telehealth kiosks and remote patient monitoring equipment. They will allow us to reach the most vulnerable patients who might have transportation issues or are afraid to come to our office due to COVID,” Amy C. Yokum, chief executive officer at Ritchie Regional Health Center said. “In addition, we will be able to remotely monitor some of our sickest patients and those with chronic conditions. This will further advance our goal of taking care of our communities.”