Expanding Rural Health Access Through Convenient Health Solutions

In response to persistent barriers in rural health access, Georgia Southern University is taking steps to deliver health products and testing options to people in rural communities. The University’s Institute for Health Logistics and Analytics (IHLA) has launched an innovative initiative called the Care Station project. The Care Station is a health vending machine filled with over-the-counter health products and at-home diagnostic tests. The standalone kiosk offers a discreet and convenient way for individuals to access care. Cash is not accepted, but individuals can use digital payment methods to purchase items.

The first care station opened in Statesboro, offering items such as allergy medication, pain relievers, children’s health products, menstrual products, bandages and at-home tests for pregnancy, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. It is located in the alleyway behind Georgia Southern’s City Campus, at 58 E. Main St. Following this launch, IHLA placed a second Care Station in the public library in Vidalia, Georgia. The vending machine provides similar offerings, but community feedback helps shape the inventory. Because many of the products are personal in nature, the team designed the kiosks to provide users with privacy. 

IHLA’s long-term goal is to replicate this approach across Georgia. The Care Station project builds on IHLA’s Community Health Resource Project, which identified key health disparities across rural counties and strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders.