BOLIGEE, Ala. – A stark digital divide is preventing millions of Americans in rural communities from accessing modern healthcare, an investigation has found. Nearly three million people live in areas with severe doctor shortages, and now, they often cannot use telehealth as a solution.
The problem is a simple one: a lack of reliable, high-speed internet.
Barbara Williams, 72, lives in Boligee, a small town in Alabama’s Black Belt. She checks her blood sugar daily. However, when she needs to see a doctor, her poor internet connection becomes a major obstacle.
Holding up her cell phone, she points to a weak signal. “It should be full,” Williams said. “But I only got one bar.”
Her community, like hundreds of others, lacks the broadband infrastructure needed for video medical appointments. This digital health gap affects 24 million Americans nationwide. These communities often have higher rates of chronic disease and lower life expectancies.
A National Problem Persists Despite Billions in Funding
This connectivity crisis continues despite significant federal investment. A 2023 report found that at least $115 billion has been allocated to fix the problem. However, the effort is fragmented. More than 133 different funding programs are run by 15 separate agencies.
“This is America. It’s not supposed to be this way,” said Karthik Ganesh, CEO of OnMed, a telehealth company.
In September, OnMed installed a walk-in medical booth in the Boligee Community Center. Residents can now have free, life-size video consultations with a healthcare provider. The booth includes medical equipment to check weight and blood pressure.
Related Coverage in this Report:
The investigation also covered several other critical health and community stories:
Insurance Claim Denials: One in five insured adults had a health insurance claim denied in the past year. Complex paperwork often leads to costly out-of-pocket expenses for families.
Bakery with a Mission: Lucy J’s Bakery in Memphis provides jobs and a living wage to families experiencing homelessness. It partners with the Dorothy Day House nonprofit.
Historic Inn Revival: In Grand Coteau, Louisiana, an attorney has transformed old railroad cars into unique Airbnb accommodations, preserving local history.
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