General · Texas behavioral health news
Lack of broadband service, funding gives rise to telehealth services in rural clinics
Texas Tribune – Health · By Jayme Lozano Carver · August 6, 2026
In plain language
Rural Texas communities are using creative solutions like shipping containers to bring telehealth services to residents who live far from major hospitals. These clinics provide internet access and video technology so patients can speak with doctors or counselors without traveling long distances. Texas recently announced $10 million in grant funding to help rural clinics and hospitals improve virtual care for children. While telehealth cannot replace emergency care, it helps people in remote areas manage their health more easily and affordably.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Texas leads the nation in rural hospital closures, making virtual healthcare vital for remote residents.
- Shipping containers are being renovated into small telehealth clinics to serve towns with limited medical staff.
- Many rural Texans lack the high-speed internet or smartphones needed to access virtual doctor visits from home.
- The state recently offered $10 million in grants to improve pediatric telehealth services in rural areas.
- New programs allow paramedics to use telehealth in ambulances to treat patients without costly emergency room trips.
Carol Brewer is the head nurse and director of the Davis Mountain Clinic, a clinic which offers telehealth services from Fort Davis. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.texastribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20260702-Fort-Davis-Telehealth-SV-03-.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> Clinics with better internet connections are now offering telehealth services to patients who can’t do it from their homes. The post Lack of broadband service, funding gives rise to telehealth services in rural clinics appeared first on The Texas Tribune.
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