HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that MediTelecare, based in Middletown, has been named February’s “Innovator of the Month.” MediTelecare is a leader in providing mental telehealth services to residents of nursing and assisted living facilities. Through their comprehensive telehealth program, they improve access to mental health services by connecting clinicians with patients who wouldn't otherwise have physical access to specialized care.

“The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health, especially vulnerable older Americans. MediTelecare leverages telehealth technology to ensure those in long term care and assisted living facilities can get the mental health care they need. I’m proud to recognize their innovative work expanding access to these critical services, and look forward to their continued growth in Connecticut,” said Murphy.

“We are honored and grateful to Senator Murphy for this recognition. Our mission is about caring for vulnerable older adults via telemedicine, by providing cutting-edge tele-technology and support and improving access to top-notch care. Expanding the reach of mental healthcare to this population is vitally important during these times of greater isolation and loneliness,” said Donna Dooley, President of MediTelecare.

Last month, Murphy called for the permanent extension of expanded coverage of telehealth services. Last February, Murphy reintroduced the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act, bipartisan legislation that allows any health care professional in good standing with a valid practitioners’ license to render services—including telehealth—anywhere for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Murphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced two bipartisan pieces of legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies—the Angel Tax Credit Act and the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.

 

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