Beyond Auburn Magazine

Across Alabama’s rural counties, Auburn University’s Rural Health Initiative (RHI) is quietly transforming how healthcare is delivered. In communities where access to medical services has long been limited, the initiative is making a measurable difference—bringing care closer to home, building trust, and creating new opportunities for wellness. This is due in large part to the relationships the Cooperative Extension Offices have fortified within these communities.

In places like Hale, Sumter, Wilcox, Chambers, and Greene counties, the OnMed® Care Stations have become more than just a technological innovation—they are a practical solution to a persistent challenge. With many residents living miles from the nearest clinic or hospital, these stations offer timely access to consultations, vitals checks and health education.

Over the first half of 2025, the initiative recorded 2,034 total engagements, including 604 consultations, 1,328 vitals checks, and 102 demonstrations. These numbers reflect real people receiving real care—often for the first time in months or even years.

Residents note the impact of the initiative. In Chambers County, residents like Dori Harmon appreciate the convenience. “I’ve encouraged all my friends, neighbors, and colleagues to go,” she says. Others speak to the clarity of the health information they receive and the comfort of knowing help is nearby.

In Sumter County, one patient credits the station with saving her life. “The NP stayed with me until the paramedics arrived,” she recalls. “For many, the stations offer a sense of security and dignity—especially for those who do not have a regular primary care provider.”

RHI is community engagement at the core.

Beyond clinical services, RHI is deeply embedded in the communities it serves. From health fairs and educational panels in Greene County to mental health awareness events in Hale, the initiative is building relationships and fostering a culture of wellness.

Each county has hosted events tailored to local needs, whether it is speech and hearing services delivered in Chambers, blood pressure education in Hale, mental health fairs in Sumter, nutrition programming in Greene, or women’s empowerment programming in Wilcox. A network of volunteers, local leaders and Auburn University faculty and staff support these efforts.

The program has had much success but still faces ongoing challenges.

Despite strong patient satisfaction ratings, many counties reporting near-perfect scores, increasing usage of the stations remains a focus. Cooperative Extension directors and administrators and our partners, including the University of West Alabama are working to increase awareness and engagement, knowing that sustained impact depends on consistent community involvement.

Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and local partnerships has made these stations possible, but long-term sustainability will require continued investment and leadership at the local level.

Looking ahead, the interdisciplinary and collaborative Rural Health Initiative Leadership team is preparing to expand the Rural Health Initiative’s reach across East Alabama, introducing new telehealth technologies to support primary care, mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. This next phase will be powered by partnerships with East Alabama Health, UAB-Beacon and Auburn University Psychological Services, ensuring that more residents can access care when and where they need it most. The Rural Health Initiative remains a flexible, community-driven model that adapts to the unique needs of each county. Whether it is a child receiving a hearing screening, a senior checking their vitals or a first responder learning how to use the station, the goal is consistent: to make healthcare more accessible and responsive. Its continued success will depend not just on innovation and funding, but on the strength of relationships with local leaders, volunteers and residents-built one visit, one conversation, one community at a time.