Influx in broadband funds to Minnesota will open the door to more telehealth options

Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith doesn't mince words: "Rural health care is on the precipice of a crisis," she said. Minnesota state data show doctors in rural areas are older than those in urban ones, and one in three rural physicians plan to leave the workforce within the next five years, which could have "potentially devastating effects," said Smith. But one solution that can help bridge some of the gap: telehealth. The problem? Not everyone has access to high-speed internet. Almost 20% of rural Minnesotans lack internet reliable enough to use for a video visit, according to a recent health report. But there is some hope on that front: A record amount of money is coming from the federal government to Minnesota to connect communities to broadband, a boost that will have significant impact on businesses, schools, and health care in rural communities.