COMMUNITY-BASED CARE
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
CROSS DISCIPLINARY TEAMS
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
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What is the AU Rural Health Initiative?
The Auburn University Rural Health Initiative partners with communities to increase access to high-quality and affordable health and wellness care throughout rural Alabama. AU Rural Health Initiative is increasing healthcare access and improving health outcomes throughout Rural Alabama while providing impactful experiences for students in health-related fields through collaboration between resources of Auburn University, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), and Alabama communities. Our vision is to be the leader of innovative healthcare solutions in the State of Alabama by ensuring every community has quality healthcare resources and students have impactful experiences in rural Alabama.
Ten additional East Alabama locations will serve as telehealth access points for mental health treatment (through Auburn University), substance use disorder treatment (through UAB-Beacon), and primary healthcare (through East Alabama Health).
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Rural communities face significant barriers to healthcare, including provider shortages, transportation challenges, and limited access to specialized services. These disparities contribute to poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancies. By partnering directly with communities, the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative works to bridge these gaps—bringing innovative, equitable, and sustainable healthcare solutions to those who need them most. This work not only improves individual and community health but also provides Auburn students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to serve across Alabama and beyond.
University Outreach and Alabama Cooperative Extension System are addressing significant health disparities across rural Alabama in partnership with the Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, Human Sciences, Science and Mathematics, Education, and the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program. Auburn University team members have worked closely with community leaders and community members in Chambers, Greene, Hale, Sumter, and Wilcox Counties to develop health programming that meets each community’s unique needs. The University of West Alabama serves as a significant partner in this work by providing internet services, logistical support, and health services support in our West Alabama locations.
Each of these communities is provided with healthcare at no cost to patients through OnMed®, an accessible and innovative healthcare option. The CareStation provides users with a private and efficient health care experience at no cost to patients by facilitating a real-time patient encounter with an Alabama-licensed clinician in a virtual setting using diagnostic tools available for practitioner-guided self-use.
Ten additional East Alabama locations will serve as telehealth access points for mental health treatment (through Auburn University), substance use disorder treatment (through UAB-Beacon), and primary healthcare (through East Alabama Health).
Prioritize collaborative work and ensure that all stakeholders are honored, respected, and represented within the initiative.
Implement a team-based, interprofessional approach to healthcare delivery among healthcare faculty, staff, students, and partners.
Lead the initiative with honesty, integrity, and transparency to ensure meaningful change and healthcare equity within the state of Alabama.
Advance healthcare equality in the state of Alabama, reducing disparities.
Improve health disparities and population health outcomes.
Time Magazine lists OnMed as one of this year's best inventions
Connections Across Counties: Auburn Students Serve Rural Alabama
Beyond the Classroom: Auburn Students Lead the Way in Rural Health
