Rural health
Need for change
Rural regions across the country are experiencing an unprecedented decline in accessibility, affordability, and availability of resources to support their community’s mental and physical well-being.
Despite significantly higher rates of pressing health concerns in rural environments, rural-focused technology solutions receive only a fraction of available investment and attention. There is a critical need for innovative solutions that can bridge the health care gap facing these rural communities. If addressed correctly, rural communities will realize positive long-term impact on both the health and well-being of their residents, and the overarching economic prosperity of their regions.
Key barriers underlying rural care
Click on the arrows to learn more.
-
Many rural areas lack reliable public transportation, making it difficult for residents to access health care facilities.
-
Rural residents often have to travel long distances to reach the nearest health care provider.
-
Restricted access to high-speed internet limits the use of telemedicine and online health resources.
-
There is a need for increased training for rural providers, especially in mental health care.
-
There is a chronic shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas.
-
Mental health providers are more likely to practice in urban centers, leaving rural areas underserved.
-
Many rural residents and providers may be unaware of the health resources available within their communities.
-
In small communities, seeking care can be challenging due to the close-knit nature of rural life.
-
Limited choices of trained professionals may lead to concerns about maintaining privacy
-
There is an ongoing need to improve health and digital health literacy among rural residents.
-
The cost of health insurance or out-of-pocket health care costs can provide a barrier to accessing care.
-
Fewer providers in rural areas accept Medicare and Medicaid.
-
Behavioral health care coverage is often limited or challenging to navigate for rural residents.
-
Maintaining consistent and ongoing health care is challenging due to provider shortages and long travel distances.
-
Rural residents often face difficulties in receiving regular follow-up care, impacting health outcomes
-
Lack of coordinated care between different health providers can lead to fragmented and less effective treatment.
A differentiated approach
Demand for rural care and well-being technology solutions already exists; but it’s a market that many innovators and investors often bypass because of its dispersed and fragmented nature. Leveraging Sourcewell’s national reach and relationships allows us to aggregate that rural demand across the country.
AscendRural’s vision is to vastly increase access to innovative solutions that can change the rural care and well-being experience for governments, community organizations, and citizens.
-
![Mother and Son]()
By the people for the people
The project will be driven by local region 5 leadership and supported by Sourcewell investment with the overall goal of improving quality of life within the community.
-
![Man on phone in field]()
People plus technology
Technology investments will reinforce existing initiatives and activities in the region, keeping the focus on human-centered solutions that can be supported by technology.
-
![Doctors discussing plan]()
Plan-do-learn-adjust
The project will naturally evolve over time as local experiences, perspectives and expertise shape the needs of region 5 community members.
-
![Two women talking and laughing]()
Social cohesion at the heart
Every citizen, including our indigenous community and marginalized groups, will be supported and included in the outcomes of this initiative.
-
![Men working in a garden]()
Leading in rural and cold-climate
For region 5 to become a leader in how technology can support in rural communities, this project will aim to address the use of technology in cold-climate, rural areas.
