Polycom Makes in-kind Telemedicine Solution Donation to NICo

Polycom (News - Alert), Inc., a major player in telepresence, video and voice communication solutions, has made an in-kind telemedicine solution donation to the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE).

Officials with Polycom said that the equipment, valued at approximately $500,000, will give military medical professionals a powerful new tool for promoting the resilience, recovery and reintegration of warriors suffering from psychological health issues and traumatic brain injuries.

The 72,000-square-foot NICoE facility, which opens this year, will be dedicated to research, assessment and treatment of military service members and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health issues.

According to company officials, Polycom is equipping the NICoE with solutions capable of supporting a collaborative, telemedicine network.

Company officials said that the solution will enhance NICoE's capabilities to deliver the highest quality of care for patients by supporting a wide variety of telemedicine services including consultation and coordination, comprehensive evaluations, coordinated research, and caregiver training and education.

'Thanks to Polycom, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence will bring the very best care and support to the men and women who have made enormous sacrifices for their country,' said Arnold Fisher, honorary chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, in a statement.

Fisher said that traumatic brain injuries and psychological health issues represent a significant issue for returning soldiers, so the need for a center like NICoE has never been more vital.

He said that with this support from Polycom, medical specialists and researchers from around the world will be able to come together to better understand what is needed to provide the best care to soldiers and their families.

The center will consist of a Data Immersive Visualization Environment (DIVE), an auditorium, a classroom and three intake and evaluation suites.

Company officials said that Polycom's video conferencing infrastructure will be at the heart of the NICoE network. Which enables NICoE to be the hub of a world-class network of researchers and providers seeking and sharing vital information to be used for training and educating clinical providers, first responders and family members. It is also possible that this new infrastructure will bring together decision makers capable of recommending policy changes based on insights derived from clinical, educational and research activities.

'Polycom is honored to be a part of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, a facility that represents hope and an opportunity for healing to soldiers and their families,' said Roseanne M. Cohen, Polycom federal market director.

Cohen said that entire company has rallied together to lend support to this project.

"We are proud to give back to the soldiers and their families who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy every day. I cannot think of a more deserving community,' said Cohen.