American Red Cross has entered its first telehealth provider partnership.
The partnership, between American Red Cross and the telehealth provider Teladoc, will work to deliver remote medical care to communities affected by natural disasters. Through Teladoc, disaster victims — who may have limited access to healthcare providers — will have access to virtual physician visit services. This network of physicians also provides an alternative to urgent care or emergency room visits, for patients who need assistance with more common medical conditions.
"Telehealth is on track to play a major role in the future of disaster risk reduction," said Mary Casey-Lockyer, senior associate for disaster health services at American Red Cross. "It is our hope that this collaboration will serve as a conduit toward closing a gap in services during events, as well as in the days, weeks and months afterward."