Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted visited Zanesville High School in Muskingum County to announce a BroadbandOhio expansion initiative that will connect nearly 20,000 students to telehealth services through a $1.15 million appropriation by InnovateOhio.

The “Muskingum Valley ESC’s School-Based Telemental Health in Appalachian Ohio Project” will provide telehealth services to 15 school districts, spanning six counties in rural Appalachian Ohio, including Coshocton, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Noble, and Tuscarawas. Funding for this program also allows four school districts in the region to access telemedicine supports for students with acute illness or chronic conditions through remote access to pediatricians and other providers.

The project is a collaborative effort between InnovateOhio, BroadbandOhio, the Muskingum Valley ESC and the Appalachian Children’s Coalition.

This launch represents another broadband expansion project that builds upon the DeWine-Husted Administration’s efforts to expand and enhance broadband connectivity for businesses and families throughout Ohio.