Millions in US Live in places Where Doctors don’t Practice and Telehealth doesn’t Reach

Millions of Americans in rural areas lack both healthcare providers and reliable internet, limiting access to telehealth services. In Alabama’s Black Belt, Barbara Williams, 72, struggles to manage her diabetes due to poor connectivity. She, like many others, cannot use video calls or patient portals. A national broadband initiative aims to bridge this gap, but delays persist. Experts warn that without high-speed internet, healthcare disparities will grow. Greene County, where Williams resides, has high rates of chronic diseases, including diabetes, but limited medical access. Initiatives like OnMed’s telehealth booth attempt to address the issue, yet systemic challenges remain. Federal efforts to improve broadband access are fragmented, exacerbating healthcare inequities for vulnerable rural populations.