Bridging the Gap: How Telehealth Supports Men’s Health in Rural Communities

By CSBMG | June 2025

June is Men’s Health Month—a time to shine a light on the health challenges men face and the opportunities to address them. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, 2025), less than 30% of men meet recommended physical activity guidelines, and nearly 15% report being in fair or poor health. In rural regions like those served by the Community Service Board of Middle Georgia (CSBMG), innovative strategies are essential to overcoming barriers to care. One such strategy is telehealth.

Telehealth enables men to connect with medical professionals from the comfort of home—an especially important tool for those facing transportation barriers or stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The use of tele-behavioral health and emergency telehealth, such as telestroke services, is rapidly expanding, offering timely interventions that can save lives (HRSA, 2025). For men hesitant to engage with traditional health care settings, virtual platforms offer privacy, convenience, and continuity of care.

In rural communities, telehealth isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. A recent HRSA-supported initiative highlighted how rural hospitals successfully expanded emergency care access through telehealth solutions, improving outcomes and strengthening local response systems (HRSA, 2025). These success stories underscore the value of federal investments in virtual health infrastructure, including support for Medicare telehealth services and Remote Patient Monitoring.

As we observe Men’s Health Month, CSBMG remains committed to advancing digital care options for the men we serve. Whether it’s supporting access to therapy, routine health visits, or crisis intervention, our telehealth services are helping to reduce gaps and improve health outcomes across Middle Georgia.

Reference
Health Resources and Services Administration. (2025, June 3). Telehealth and men’s health [Bulletin]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hrsa.gov