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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

#RuralHealthChat: Digital Equity and the Health of Rural Americans

Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes

Digital equity refers to the ability of all people to access and use the digital tools necessary to fully participate in our society. Unfortunately, many rural areas and populations lack basic technologies of everyday life, such as broadband, that can impact access to healthcare and an individual’s ability to learn, work, and thrive.

Co-Host:

  • National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) – @NOSORH

Special Guests:

  • Health Resources & Services Administration – @HRSAgov
  • Kyle Zebley, Vice President Public Policy, The American Telemedicine Association – @AmericanTelemed
  • Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer, National Rural Health Association – @NRHA_Advocacy
  • Nicole Clement, TASC Program Specialist, National Rural Health Resource Center – @RHRC
  • Kellie Kubena, USDA Rural Health Liaison, USDA Rural Development Innovation Center – @usdaRD
  • The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials – @ASTHO
  • Priya Bathija, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, American Hospital Association – @ahahospitals
  • Kathy Hsu Wibberly, Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center – @katwibb

In celebration of National Rural Health Day, we used the hashtags #RuralHealthChat and #PowerofRural to tweet with expert special guests and discuss the factors that impact technology access in rural communities. We’ll also discuss how lack of technology access affects health, share tips and resources available to tackle access issues, and celebrate rural communities that have addressed digital equity in meaningful ways. To see the full conversation and access the resources shared, check them out below, via List.ly.