Telehealth kiosks coming to Newark, Bear libraries
New telehealth kiosks will be available soon.
The Newark Free Library and the Bear Library will soon be home to kiosks that local residents can use to access telehealth medicine, employment assistance and legal services.
Each kiosk will be equipped with an iPad and operated by trained staff to assist with tech issues, scheduling and directing patrons to other resources if their needs are more serious. Patrons can connect with existing healthcare providers via video conferencing or work with social workers to find a new provider. The kiosks can also be used to access virtual employment assistance and legal services.
Kiosks are being piloted in libraries in Seaford, Laurel and Milford, and the project will soon be extended to a total of 18 public libraries in Delaware. Officials noted that Delaware libraries are a common space for the most underserved in the community, including people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, veterans, immigrants and the elderly.
Funding for the project was provided by Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester’s office through the Community Project Funding initiative. Each House member was permitted to submit 10 applications to the House Committee on Appropriations for consideration.
“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become a critical component of healthcare for communities across the country to get the care they need, including here in Delaware,” Blunt Rochester said in a prepared statement. “With the $275,000 in Community Project Funding, Delaware Libraries will be able to secure additional telehealth kiosks for libraries across the state to meet community needs — from telemedicine to employment assistance to legal services. I’m proud to have secured this Community Project Funding to expand the program and make these services more accessible to Delawareans, and look forward to its implementation throughout libraries across the state.”