Obama: Health Tech, Broadband Key To Rural Development

An Obama administration effort to coordinate federal programs for rural America is counting on healthcare technology and broadband Internet to help improve access to care and support economic development for people in rural areas.

Among the 10 "key factors for growth" that the new White House Rural Council will consider are the growth of health IT systems to expand access to quality healthcare, and the promotion of President Barack Obama's plan to "increase broadband opportunities" in rural communities, according to a White House press release. Obama created the council Thursday by executive order.

"The White House Rural Council will focus on actions to better coordinate and streamline federal program efforts in rural America, and to better leverage federal investments. The collaboration will result in better programs and services in rural communities and maximize the benefits of those programs," Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack wrote on the White House blog.