Our problem
Rural health deserts or communities with limited access to care, leave residents facing serious health and financial challenges.
Without nearby services, people often delay or skip care, leading to worsening conditions and higher rates of complications. When finally sought, it is more likely to occur in emergency departments, where costs are significantly higher for both patients and the system.
- Nearly 80% of rural U.S. designated as “medically underserved”
- 46% of U.S. counties have at least one pharmacy desert affecting ~15.8 million Americans
- Rural areas have a higher proportion of residents over 65, increasing demand for healthcare services
- Rural populations experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity, yet face barriers to consistent care
Our problem
Rural health deserts or communities with limited access to care, leave residents facing serious health and financial challenges.
Without nearby services, people often delay or skip care, leading to worsening conditions and higher rates of complications. When finally sought, it is more likely to occur in emergency departments, where costs are significantly higher for both patients and the system.
- Nearly 80% of rural U.S. designated as “medically underserved”
- 46% of U.S. counties have at least one pharmacy desert affecting ~15.8 million Americans
- Rural areas have a higher proportion of residents over 65, increasing demand for healthcare services
- Rural populations experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity, yet face barriers to consistent care
Our vision
Create a replicable, scalable model that delivers pharmacy and care services directly into the home—transforming access to care in underserved rural communities nationwide.
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of a technology-enabled integrated virtual care, pharmacy, and med management model in a rural setting
- Evaluate feasibility and scalability of the model for broader national application
- Generate a comprehensive report documenting learnings and recommendations
“I don’t want to have to leave and I don’t want my kids to have to leave. So, I need a town that can take care of me when I’m not able to take care of myself. I need to be able to age in place.”
Alicia Pearson, Mayor of Lanesboro, MN
Our vision
Create a replicable, scalable model that delivers pharmacy and care services directly into the home—transforming access to care in underserved rural communities nationwide.
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of a technology-enabled integrated virtual care, pharmacy, and med management model in a rural setting
- Evaluate feasibility and scalability of the model for broader national application
- Generate a comprehensive report documenting learnings and recommendations
“I don’t want to have to leave and I don’t want my kids to have to leave. So, I need a town that can take care of me when I’m not able to take care of myself. I need to be able to age in place.”
Alicia Pearson, Mayor of Lanesboro, MN
A Documentary: Capturing the heart of rural health innovation
Divergency Creative Studios, an independent production company, is producing a companion documentary alongside the study to chronicle the data, stories, and real-world impact of the rural health pilot—creating a powerful platform to inform and inspire policy change across America.
A Documentary: Capturing the heart of rural health innovation
Divergency Creative Studios, an independent production company, is producing a companion documentary alongside the study to chronicle the data, stories, and real-world impact of the rural health pilot—creating a powerful platform to inform and inspire policy change across America.
The collaborators
The University of MN Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation is leading the study and will track and measure the impact of the initiative
Mayor Alicia Pearson of Lanesboro, MN (in personal capacity) is providing local leadership support
Ōmcare® is providing the in-home technology that enables remote pharmacy and care services
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN is providing members in-home care management and triage services delivered via the Hub
PharMerica Pharmacy is providing integrated pharmacy services via the Hub
You?
Contact us to learn how you can become part of the Rural Health Innovation Initiative