AARP's Community Challenge Grant Funds Telehealth Rooms in Sulphur and Tishomingo Libraries

A 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant awarded to the Southern Library System funded two telehealth rooms in local libraries in Sulphur and Tishomingo. The AARP Community Challenge Grant program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages.


AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl said the Southern Library System was awarded a grant because the telehealth rooms offer an innovative way to enhance accessibility to healthcare services, particularly in remote or underserved areas. "In rural Oklahoma people may not have access to high-speed internet connection or transportation to get to their doctor or specialist. These telehealth rooms meet their needs where they live."

Along with dozens of Sulphur residents, Speaker Charles McCall, Senate Majority Leader Greg McCortney, Sulphur City Manager Andy Freemen and Gail Oehler, Pam Bean and Jennifer Lindsey represented the Southern Library System were on hand for Friday's ribbon cutting at the Mary Parker Memorial Library.

To date, 22 AARP Community Challenge grants have been awarded across Oklahoma. The grantees implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections and more.

Applications for 2024 Community Challenge Grants will be accepted in January.

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AARP Oklahoma Partnership Connects Rural Oklahomans to Digital Hotspot Loan Program- Learn how AARP Oklahoma is helping rural Oklahomans across the state get connected through OSU library hotspot program