December 15, 2009

The University of Virginia Health Center and Habitat for Humanity are teaming up to help patients in need.

A groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday was held for a Health House. Officials say it's a project that represents firsts, both locally and nationally.

The Health House project will include two specially-equipped houses. They'll be on the ground floor of a two-story quadplex, and next fall, they'll become home to four partner families.

"It is a tremendous opportunity for us to blend affordable housing and the ability to to provide remote monitoring in home, so patients can manage their health care needs at home, and stay healthy in the safety of their own home environment," says Dr. Karen Rheuban, UVa Telemedicine Director.

Thanks to equipment and services donated by Comcast and Intel, the occupants of each health house will be able to transmit their vital signs and medical readings on a daily basis to UVa's home health care.