PORT ANGELES — Olympic Medical Center has been awarded a $113,466 federal grant for a distance learning program for medical providers on the North Olympic Peninsula.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant announced last week will be used to connect Jefferson Healthcare, Forks Community Hospital and OMC and its Sequim campus through a USDA program called Distance Learning and Telemedicine, which is specifically designed for rural areas.

OMC will develop a distance learning network for doctors and other medical providers at the three Peninsula hospitals to participate in medical education and seminars.

Hospital officials said patients in rural areas will benefit by having better access to telemedicine and health education programs offered on the Peninsula and through Swedish Medical Center, with which OMC and Jefferson Healthcare are affiliated.

Distance learning and telemedicine will eliminate the need to travel to Seattle and elsewhere for specialized medical education and information.

“With these funds, we will develop a world-class distance learning program across Clallam and Jefferson counties, serving both the rural population and the medical community,” said Eric Lewis, OMC chief executive officer, in a statement.

“This will also assist Olympic Medical Center and our partner hospitals Jefferson Healthcare and Forks Community Hospital in the ability to provide additional medical services to Peninsula residents through Swedish telemedicine and improve the quality of life in our community.”

OMC will administer the grant to address health care issues specific to the North Olympic Peninsula, including geriatric care and chronic disease management.

OMC is one of 100 recipients of the grant in 34 states.