The Impacts of Cutting-Edge OnMed Telehealth Technology Chambers County
By: Mikailie Caulder

Chambers County is a community facing severe healthcare disparities despite a vast network of community support. The prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and HIV is notably high, while child mortality rates and frequent physical and mental distress further escalate the crisis. These issues reflect a broader pattern of inadequate access to healthcare services and resources as seen in many rural areas of Alabama. As a neighboring community with passionate community leadership and health indicators among the lowest in the state, the City of LaFayette in Chambers County, became the first community partner for Auburn University’s Rural Health Initiative.

Under the leadership of Auburn University Outreach in partnership with Alabama Cooperative Extension, academic units and community leaders, the renovation of what is now the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center commenced in November 2022. After months of intensive renovations and demonstrations, the facility proudly launched its state-of-the-art OnMed Telehealth Station in February 2023. Auburn University faculty and students complemented their treatment with health and wellness services across academic disciplines.

As the second OnMed station in the state and the first affiliated with Auburn University, the Chambers County OnMed station has become the most visited in the country, with 1,151 patient consultations recorded in the first 16 months of operation. Boasting a 97% satisfaction rate, many patients have been impressed with the facility and services. A significant testament to the station's success is the team of 33 community health ambassadors, who play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness within the community. Their partnership with residents has been essential for fostering community engagement.

The OnMed Station has proven to be a fantastic community tool, saving residents time, money and stress when needing to see a physician. Dori Harmon, a LaFayette community member, explained, “having this wonderful facility allows the convenience of not traveling 30 minutes to an hour out of town. I have encouraged all my friends, neighbors, and colleagues to go.”

Staff member at the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center, Leah Sledge, has used the station on many occasions. “I like it more than going to an urgent care,” she said, “there is a sense of privacy and one-on-one interaction where the provider is only concentrating on you” she added.

The equipment, though state-of-the-art and high-tech, is extremely user-friendly allowing patients of all ages access to the care OnMed practitioners and physicians can provide. Community member, Cassidy Tilt expressed her gratitude in a recent statement, “The technology is amazing! Bringing healthcare to a fairly rural community is such a blessing. I’m one grateful mom!” Debra Ward, staff member at the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center, has seen the OnMed Station save lives. Though the OnMed providers cannot be hands on with the patients, the access to Emergency Medical Services has proven to be a valuable tool. “We are saving lives here all the time,” Ward explained, “I’ve seen the EMS team successfully save a life through defibrillation because of the On Med Practitioners quick response to call Emergency Services.”

In addition to the OnMed Station, Auburn University has provided services designed to give students first-hand experience in their desired future field while allowing community members to receive the care and support they need. The Colleges of Liberal Arts, Human Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Education are all active and involved participants in the Rural Health Initiative. The first program for community members in Chambers County was a Women’s Health Awareness Paint and Learn class hosted by The College of Nursing. Over 25 women gathered at this event to address Black Maternal Health Week and learn about childbirth risk factors of underserved, rural communities. Speech and audiology services as well as regular blood pressure screenings continue to be available on a regular basis.

The Health and Wellness Center has provided residents with the resources and education needed to change their behaviors and foster a healthy lifestyle. Staff at the Wellness Center, Debra Ward and Leah Sledge, agree that the facility has changed the lives of residents living in Chambers County. With the abundance of resources provided at the Wellness Center, Auburn University and affiliated partners have given residents of LaFayette an opportunity for a happier, healthier future.