Auburn University Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Rural Communities

Auburn University’s Rural Health Initiative expands hybrid care offering across Alabama.

Published: September 20, 2024

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Access to healthcare is no longer an issue for people in two rural Alabama communities thanks to Auburn University’s expansion of their Rural Health Initiative footprint featuring the OnMed CareStation as well as in-person health and wellness services in Wilcox and Greene counties.  

Auburn University Outreach, The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and the Auburn Colleges of Pharmacy, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Human Sciences, all partnered together with community leaders to make these new installations possible as a vehicle to impactfully address Alabama’s healthcare access challenges. The University of West Alabama serves as an exemplary partner in supporting internet services and key community collaborations. OnMed’s CareStations are a pivotal component of this healthcare access model and are rapidly expanding across the state.  

The Greene and Wilcox county OnMed stations were installed in mid-July. The grand opening is scheduled in Greene County Sept. 22 with the Wilcox County opening shortly thereafter.  

At OnMed stations, residents can experience affordable, private, and real-time visits with Alabama-licensed health care professionals in a virtual setting, at no charge. The new locations will provide opportunities for university students and faculty from different disciplines to support community members’ overall well-being as needs are identified.

Wilcox County

Shareka Johns, the county Extension coordinator in Wilcox County, said county commissioners were instrumental in setting up the station at the Shaw Community Center.  

“This was a great need in our community,” Johns said. “The nearest hospital is 45 miles away, there is no obstetrician nearby, and the nearest doctor’s office is almost 45 minutes away. There is also a school nearby that will benefit greatly. Our citizens are so thankful that there is a place that can handle their needs in a timely manner.”  

Greene County

Boligee, Alabama Mayor Hattie Samuels said words cannot describe how grateful and excited she is.

“The OnMed CareStation is conveniently located in the Boligee Municipal building and is the first stop for each person who enters,” Samuels said. “You can see the praise on the faces of our Senior Center members as they visit the OnMed CareStation for demos. This service will not only benefit the town of Boligee but will also have a lasting impact on surrounding communities.”

Samuels continued. “Many senior citizens are unable to get to a medical facility without hiring someone to drive them. This makes access to healthcare physically easier and cuts down on the wait and travel time it takes to be seen at a doctor’s office.”

Samuels said Boligee is a retirement town that needed something new and exciting to wake up members of the community.  

Partnering with Purpose

Dr. Royrickers Cook, Vice President for University Outreach and Associate Provost envisioned this increase in healthcare access just before the COVID-19 epidemic began paralyzing rural Alabama communities.  

Cook said, “The OnMed CareStation was introduced as a tool to increase healthcare access for underserved areas. We saw this as a bridge between rural communities, primary care providers, and specialists in nearby areas. Our faculty and students engaging with these communities elevates the experience and impact for all.”

Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said the opportunity to change lives through healthcare access is not something that the Extension system takes lightly.  

“Since the success of the Chambers County OnMed CareStation, we are well-poised for the same positive impact across Greene and Wilcox Counties,” Phillips said. “We are proud to be partners in this effort, the ability to shift the healthcare landscape in more rural counties is a wonderful thing.”

Hollie Cost, Assistant Vice President for Auburn University Outreach and Public Service, said the collaborative team is thrilled with the opportunity to support the health of the Greene and Wilcox County communities.  

“Our team is thrilled that so many interested parties have come together in support of the health of communities across Alabama.” said Cost. “Based on direct feedback from community members, we know there is a need for greater access to health care, as well as health and wellness programming and information during extended hours.”

OnMed CEO, Karthik Ganesh reinforced Cost’s sentiment. “Partnership is key to this success in Alabama. Our relationship with the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative has blossomed to include champions from across the state. It is gratifying to see the OnMed CareStation become core to Alabama’s public health infrastructure.”  

More Information

The first OnMed CareStation sponsored through Auburn University is located in Chambers County. Read more about the first pilot location in the press release. This project is being supported in part by federal award number SLFRP2635 awarded to the State of Alabama by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

‍