Telehealth Institute Accomplishments
Wide open spaces shouldn’t cost people access to health care
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Ï㽶ֱ²¥) is Bridging Gaps and Building Care
The Institute of Telehealth and Digital Innovation (ITDI) at Ï㽶ֱ²¥ was established following authorization and funding from the 88th Legislature to advance three key pillars: expanding access to care, driving research on health care outcomes and enhancing education to prepare the next generation of health care professionals to effectively leverage telehealth and emerging technologies. Since its inception in 2023, ITDI has laid the foundation for sustainable innovation by developing its operational framework, recruiting key staff and establishing collaborative networks with clinical partners and rural hospitals.
This biennium, ITDI is translating its mission into action through a coordinated portfolio of five strategic initiatives—each designed to strengthen the telehealth infrastructure and expand access to care in rural and underserved communities. These initiatives work together to bridge gaps in mental health, preventive care and rural health services while advancing digital connectivity across the region. Each of these efforts is part of a larger, interconnected strategy to ensure that all Texans have access to high-quality, technology-driven health care solutions
TELEPSYCHIATRY INITIATIVE
Expanding Mental Health Access Through Virtual Care
In collaboration with the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH),
this initiative seeks to improve access to vital psychiatric services in underserved areas over the next two years, with Mount Pleasant designated as the
pilot site.
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CAMPUS HEALTH CONNECT
Enhancing Student Wellness Across West Texas
Campus Health Connect is dedicated to providing children in rural West Texas with
access to high-quality, personalized health care. This innovative program offers convenient
and secure virtual consultations facilitated by trained school nurses, connecting
students and their guardians to licensed health care providers and keeping care accessible
and close to home.
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ACCESS TO BREAST HEALTH FOR TEXANS
Improving Prevention and Early Detection
The Access to Breast Health for Texans project, in partnership with the Bexaâ„¢ Equity
Alliance, aims to revolutionize breast cancer detection and education in rural communities
around Abilene, Texas.
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TELEHEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION
Strengthening the Digital Backbone of Rural Health Care
The Telehealth Infrastructure Expansion is designed to enhance health care delivery across rural Texas through two key components: the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Program and the expansion of telehealth equipment to support specialty clinics.
HEALTHY WEST TEXAS INITIATIVE
Empowering Wellness for Rural Communities One Door At A Time
This community engagement project, launched in Crane, Texas in 2024, highlights how data, trust and partnerships can drive innovative and impactful health improvements. Efforts are focused on empowering communities through client-centered care with the use of digital tools and real-time data. By giving individuals access to their own health information, communities can take greater control over their well-being, making informed decisions based on immediate, actionable feedback on behaviors.