HHS gives more than $16 million to support telehealth in Title X family planning clinics

HHS is providing $16.3 million in grants to support telehealth in Title X family planning clinics across the United States, according to a press release from the department.

Telehealth adoption has “increased dramatically” over the last 2 years, and Title X family planning clinics have “consistently supported” telehealth as an option for patients, HHS said. The grants will help “enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure and capacity of Title X family planning,” according to the release.

Title X family planning clinics have been critical in providing access to many preventive health and family planning services, such as breast and cervical cancer screening, testing for HIV and STIs, and contraceptive counseling and care, for more than 50 years. The clinics have served more than 190 million people. 

“Expanding telehealth at our nation’s Title X family planning clinics will help ensure all women and families have equitable access to this essential care,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release. “Across the nation, we are seeing attacks on sexual and reproductive health care services, and through these funds and other HHS efforts we can ensure that we’re able to provide this care that so many across the country need.” 

The money comes from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding, and will be given to 31 current Title X family planning grantees for a 12-month project period, starting May 15. The grants will go to clinics in 26 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. 

“These awards will help programs accelerate telehealth even more across the communities receiving awards,” Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine, MD, said in the release.

Perspective

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Lisa Satterfield, MS, MPH, CAE, CPH

Any funding supporting comprehensive reproductive rights and education is significant. During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, patients were able to continue to consult with their obstetrician-gynecologists and make the best decisions for their reproductive care through the use of telehealth and audio-only visits. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists welcomes the support and is pleased that HHS recognizes this vital need. However, other agencies within the administration need to add to the investment in broadband for rural areas, recognize audio-only physician visits on parity with in-person office visits, and ensure states and health plans are providing comprehensive reproductive care options without cost-sharing for all individuals seeking the care.

Lisa Satterfield, MS, MPH, CAE, CPH

Senior director

Health Economics & Practice Management

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Disclosures: Healio was unable to confirm relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.

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