MEDIA ADVISORY: GCI ConnectMD Supports Maniilaq with HD Videoconferencing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2007
WHAT: GCI ConnectMD is providing Maniilaq Health Services in Northwest Alaska with new broadband connections capable of supporting definition (HD) videoconferencing. HD videoconferencing benefits clinics with faster response times, greater reach, more accurate training and diagnoses, and a higher level of overall care. Each of the 11 rural clinics operated by Maniilaq Health Services now have two HD Tandberg videoconferencing devices. One unit is HD and mobile, while the other is fixed and used for patient counseling and treatment. To enhance specialty care availability in the villages, single hop satellite connectivity capability directly to Anchorage based medical specialists is being enabled. In partnership with Maniilaq, GCI ConnectMD also helped deploy the equipment and install the new circuitry lines. GCI ConnectMD is also providing remote 7x24 monitoring and management support of the Maniilaq network.
WHO:
- GCI ConnectMD is the largest medical network in the Pacific Northwest.
- Maniilaq Health Services manages and maintains 11 village clinics and the Maniilaq Health Center, covering a broad scope of services including physical and mental health services. Maniilaq Health Services is part of the Maniilaq Association, a tribally-operated, non-profit, health and social services organization in Northwest Alaska.
- Hon Pak, MD, President of the American Telemedicine Association, attended a demonstration of the high definition videoconferencing.
WHEN: The full implementation will be complete in late September 2007.
CONTACT: Kelly Burkett at 206-264-1703 or kburkett@rhstrategic.com
About GCI and ConnectMD
As a publicly traded company with more than 25 years of experience and nearly $500 million in revenue, GCI and its ConnectMD medical services team contribute medical networking expertise and significant technical resources to their members. GCI is the largest Alaska-based and -operated integrated telecommunication provider. A pioneer in bundled services, GCI provides local, wireless, and long distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services. More information about the company can be found at www.gci.com.
GCI ConnectMD is a network of 140+ clinics, hospitals, and medical facilities across Washington and Alaska. The ConnectMD network supports medical business operations and the secure exchange of medical data with an expanding list of partner organizations, including: Virginia Mason Medical Center, Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Alaska Regional Medical Center, Alaska Psychiatric Institute and other leading medical facilities. For more information, visit www.connectmd.com.
