FORT WORTH, Texas (May 21, 2020) – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), a leader in aerospace innovation, is partnering with JPS Health Network to leverage the use of technology to combat the spread of COVID-19 and its long-term effects on vulnerable and financially at-risk populations in Tarrant County.
Through a $500,000 Lockheed Martin grant to the JPS Foundation, which seeks philanthropic support for clinical care, research and training at JPS, the health system will move to expand telehealth services to include specialty care kiosks in neighborhood health centers and remote monitoring for COVID-19 positive patients whose condition can be managed from home.
“COVID-19 has brought into sharp focus the need for healthcare to maximize technology to serve all patient communities, from veterans and the working poor to people experiencing homelessness,” said JPS President and CEO Robert Earley. “Telehealth is the medical world’s answer to social distancing. Lockheed Martin’s generous gift will allow JPS to adopt methods of care that keep our patients and our team members safe.”
“Lockheed Martin and our nearly 20,000 Fort Worth employees are committed to helping our neighbors in need and supporting those fighting this pandemic on the frontlines,” said Michele Evans, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “Through these challenging times, JPS Health Network has not wavered in providing quality medical care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. With this gift, Lockheed Martin is proud to contribute to our shared goals of doing what’s right and protecting the communities we call home.”
Providing access to telehealth visits with specialists from kiosks at neighborhood clinics will not only decrease the need for patients to travel to the main campus, but it will help those patients without smart phones get needed specialty care. The kiosks also will cut down on excessive or non-essential trips to the emergency room.
The development of a remote monitoring program would allow JPS to track the vital signs of COVID-19 patients who are discharged to finish their overall recovery at home.
“Investing in innovation that protects our community is what Lockheed Martin does,” said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. “I am grateful for the company’s support of the vital work our public healthcare system does every day to protect the health of Tarrant County residents.”