Gov. Greg Abbott announces $3.6 million project to connect nursing home residents to families

Gov. Greg Abbott announced May 27 that $3.6 million will be provided to nursing facilities to purchase tablets, webcams and headphones to connect residents with their family members.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced with the governor that nursing facilities can submit applications to the HHSC to receive up to $3,000 in funding per facility to purchase the devices needed.

"This program will help Texans in nursing homes stay connected to their loved ones while protecting the health and safety of our most vulnerable populations," Abbott said.

David Kostroun, the deputy executive commissioner for the HHSC’s regulatory services division, said keeping connected to families and friends is important during this unprecedented time.

"We want facilities to know this option can help connect residents to their loved ones virtually, while still protecting everyone’s health and safety," he said.

Funding for the project will come through Civil Money Penalty funds, according to the announcement.

Any Texas nursing facility can apply for the funding, and devices must be cleaned and disinfected between each use.

“As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and mitigate the spread of this virus, we are committed to developing effective strategies that protect Texans while keeping them connected," Abbott said.