U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced $326,475 in federal funding for the Seneca Nation of Indians based in Western New York. The funding was allocated through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) COVID-19 Telehealth Program as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). This funding will be used to connect health care providers to patients sheltering in place by providing the telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary for connected care.

“As COVID-19 continues to sweep through New York, leaving no community untouched, it’s imperative that the Seneca Nation has the tools necessary to fight against the pandemic,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to have secured this vital funding for the Seneca Nation’s telehealth program and will continue to fight to make sure that the Nation has every dollar they need to respond and recover.”

“Everyone deserves to have access to quality health care,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It is imperative that our health care providers can stay connected to patients at home or in mobile locations during this crisis, and I am proud to have fought for this funding for the Seneca Nation of Indians. I will continue to support our Native American communities to ensure they have the resources needed to stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.”