Bridging the Healthcare and Mental Health Gap in EMC Communities with Access For Health

In rural America, Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) have long been the backbone of affordable, reliable electricity. But today, there’s an even more urgent need for innovation and collaboration—this time to solve the critical shortage of healthcare and mental health services that is disproportionately affecting rural communities.

With hospitals closing, physician shortages escalating, and mental health providers in critically short supply, it’s time to address these disparities and find ways to provide rural residents with access to the care they deserve.

Healthcare Deserts in Rural America

Nearly 60 million people live in rural America, yet many of these communities are facing severe healthcare shortages. Rural areas are often considered "healthcare deserts," where hospitals are miles away, and access to primary care is limited. In fact, over 20% of rural counties in the U.S. lack a primary care physician. Even more alarming, nearly 500 rural hospitals are at risk of closure, making the problem even worse.

Beyond physical health, the mental health crisis is particularly concerning. According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, 60% of rural Americans live in areas where mental health professionals are in critically short supply. This shortage leads to widespread issues like untreated anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and higher rates of suicide.

Access For Health: A Game-Changer for Rural Healthcare

Enter Access For Health, a nationwide virtual health program designed to break down the barriers of distance and provider shortages in rural communities. This innovative service provides:

• $0 Copay Unlimited 24/7 virtual visits with a dedicated primary care physician.
• $0 Copay Unlimited 24/7 Confidential On Demand virtual mental health visits with licensed therapists across the country.
• $0 copay for over 3,100 acute, maintenance, and mental health medications at over 70,000 pharmacies.
• $0 lab work at over 2,200 LabCorp locations nationwide.
• Hospital Eraser Concierge Services help eliminate or significantly reduce inpatient and outpatient hospital bills.

For less than $2/day, Access For Health provides comprehensive healthcare services for the entire family. This program is a lifeline for rural residents, offering the care they need without long drives, waiting times, or financial burden of traditional healthcare.

How Access For Health Supports EMC Communities

Rural communities are often burdened by:

1. Geographic Isolation: Many residents live hours away from the nearest healthcare facility, leading to missed appointments and delayed care.
2. Provider Shortages: With fewer healthcare professionals practicing in rural areas, accessing care is often a struggle.
3. Limited Mental Health Resources: The scarcity of mental health providers leads to untreated issues, impacting individuals and entire communities.

Access For Health overcomes these barriers by offering virtual visits that can be accessed anywhere, anytime. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions, addressing urgent health issues, or seeking mental health support, virtual care allows rural residents to receive the care they need without leaving their homes.

Why Virtual Health Is Key to Rural Healthcare Equity

Virtual health is critical in overcoming the unique challenges of rural healthcare. Here’s how Access For Health is helping to level the playing field:

• Convenient Access: No more long drives or waiting weeks for an appointment. ???????????????With virtual visits, care is just a click away.
• Cost Savings: With $0 copays for medications and lab work, Access For Health significantly reduces the financial strain of healthcare.
• Comprehensive Support: From preventive care to mental health counseling, ????????????Access For Health offers a holistic approach to health and wellness—at an affordable price.

Advocate for Better Healthcare in EMC Communities

Rural communities have long been underserved, but with solutions like Access For Health, we can change that. Here’s how you can help:

• Raise Awareness: Educate your community about the benefits of telehealth and virtual healthcare services.
• Support Telehealth Expansion: Advocate for investments in broadband infrastructure and telemedicine programs to improve access to care.
• Collaborate: Partner with local organizations, health clinics, and advocates to bring services like Access For Health to your community.

Together, we can ensure that every community, no matter how remote, has access to the healthcare and mental health services they need.

Together, We Can Make Healthcare Accessible for All

For less than $2/day, Access For Health brings primary care, mental health support, medications lab work, and hospital cost reduction services directly to your doorstep. No more driving hours for care—just the support you need, when you need it.

Let’s work together to ensure rural America has the healthcare services it deserves.