Last year, Huntsville Hospital Foundation received a $1.5 million American Rescue Plan grant through the state of Alabama to purchase several state-of-the-art telemedicine carts and to make Wi-Fi upgrades to ensure a stronger video signal.

The program rolled out in February with an initial focus on behavioral health and then quickly expanded to include neurology.

“This is an opportunity to really help people throughout the region,” says Telemedicine Program Manager Sara Werner, RN.

Mental health was an obvious starting point for the telemedicine initiative.

Thousands of North Alabamians struggle with depression, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts and other behavioral health issues, yet there are fewer than 75 state-licensed psychiatrists practicing in the region – and the vast majority of them are located in Madison County.

Most hospitals outside the Rocket City have “patchy, if any” psychiatric coverage, said Dr. Jetty.

With telemedicine, he can remotely help people in crisis at Madison Hospital – and, starting later this year, at Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield – without leaving Huntsville Hospital’s 36-bed Behavioral Health Unit.

“This is much-needed in rural communities,” says Dr. Jetty, “and we are excited to be providing it for them.”

In March, Huntsville Hospital added 24/7 stroke assessment and treatment to its telemedicine offerings. Helen Keller Hospital is the first HH Health facility to get the new service.

Now when a suspected stroke patient comes in, the Keller ER team grabs the video cart and summons the on-call neurologist at Huntsville Hospital.

From their office 75 miles away, the neurologist can see and talk to the patient, review their medical history, order tests, prescribe medication, and help doctors and nurses at Keller develop a treatment plan.

So far, only one stroke patient had to be transferred to Huntsville Hospital following their telemedicine exam – the others were able to remain at Keller, closer to their homes and families.