Bridging the digital divide for rural health care

(Toronto, December 11,  2025) JMIR Publications continues to focus on critical health policy issues in its "News & Perspectives" section with a new article detailing innovative solutions to help  bridge the persistent digital divide in the United States. The article, “Bridging Rural America’s Digital Divide in Health Care,” examines the three pillars of digital connectivity—infrastructure, affordability, and adoption—and highlights how communities are creatively adapting to ensure rural Americans have access to reliable internet and essential digital health care services.

The piece emphasizes that a lack of access to high-quality broadband, particularly in sparsely populated areas, intensifies existing socioeconomic disparities. For many, this exclusion means a denial of essential services, including telehealth and online health resources.

Innovative Solutions for Connectivity

The article, written by Sara Novak, a science journalist, details practical approaches that are or could be used to speed up connectivity where large national providers are unwilling to invest:

• Cooperative Partnerships: Local communities are finding success by partnering with existing infrastructure providers, such as telephone and electrical cooperatives. These member-owned organizations, like the Upcountry Fiber partnership in South Carolina, are upgrading existing infrastructure to enter the broadband market, providing affordable, reliable service faster than traditional federal programs alone.

• Borrowing from Education: The health care sector can draw inspiration from creative solutions in schools, such as establishing device-lending programs, providing free Wi-Fi in clinic parking lots, or setting up Wi-Fi-enabled mobile health units to reach patients in underserved areas.

Bridging the Adoption Gap for Health Care

Beyond infrastructure, the article stresses the importance of addressing the adoption pillar, which involves overcoming financial hurdles and low digital literacy.

• Digital Navigators and Support: Programs like Houston Methodist’s Telestroke Network and the Zuni Pueblo/Indian Health Service Tele-Behavioral Health Program illustrate the crucial role of human support. Local nurses and staff reach out to patients to initiate teleconsultations, ensuring those who are unfamiliar with the technology can get online without navigating the process alone.

• Mobile-First Mental Health: The use of smartphone apps is highlighted as a potentially effective strategy for bridging access gaps, especially given the relative ubiquity of smart phones. However, experts stress that these apps are most effective when supported by professional check-ins to ensure sustained engagement.

The digital divide is not merely an economic or geographic issue; it is a profound health equity challenge. This article provides a practical sample of strategies—from local utility partnerships to personalized digital support—that can help ensure that digital health innovations translate into meaningful improvements for those facing barriers to access

The "News & Perspectives" section of the Journal of Medical Internet Research is dedicated to delivering timely, intellectually responsible content, ensuring the health technology community stays informed on emerging trends and critical public health challenges.

The full article, “Bridging Rural America’s Digital Divide in Health Care,” is available now in the "News & Perspectives" section of the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

About JMIR Publications News & Perspectives

JMIR Publications is a leading open access publisher of digital health research. The "News & Perspectives" section is the newest addition to its portfolio, established to bring the rigor and integrity of academic publishing to scientific journalism. The section features well-researched, expert-driven content from the Scientific News Editor, Kayleigh-Ann Clegg, PhD, and a network of specialist JMIR Publications Correspondents to keep the digital health community informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.

About JMIR Publications

JMIR Publications is a leading open access publisher of digital health research and a champion of open science. With a focus on author advocacy and research amplification, JMIR Publications partners with researchers to advance their careers and maximize the impact of their work. As a technology organization with publishing at its core, we provide innovative tools and resources that go beyond traditional publishing, supporting researchers at every step of the dissemination process. Our portfolio features a range of peer-reviewed journals, including the renowned Journal of Medical Internet Research. To find out more about JMIR Publications, visit jmirpublications.com or connect with them on Bluesky, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

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