In this episode of Stepping In It, we go live from the Missouri Rural Mental Health Conference to explore how technology is reshaping rural healthcare. From drones buzzing the farm fields to AI transforming patient care, we unpack innovations that spark both hope and hesitation. We also take a closer look at Missouri’s latest Rural Health Needs Assessment, spotlighting alarming increases in drug overdoses and suicide, alongside the critical shortage of primary care providers and broadband access. Plus, hear the inside scoop on the launch of Causeway, a new initiative tackling system-wide change. It’s a mix of data, policy, and a little good-natured farmer grumbling you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how system changes in healthcare impact everyone in rural communities.
• Learn about Missouri’s Rural Health Needs Assessment and what the data reveals.
• Explore the introduction of the Causeway and its role in connecting healthcare leaders.
• Understand how drones, technology, and AI are reshaping rural health and farming.
• Hear about ongoing challenges with IT, broadband, and provider shortages in Missouri.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:04 - Introduction, Live from Missouri Rural Mental Health Conference
00:02:05 - How System Changes Impact Everyone
00:02:42 - Introducing the Causeway: A New Connectivity Tool
00:03:15 - Exploring AI in Healthcare and Rural Systems
00:09:25 - Missouri Rural Health Needs Assessment Findings
00:12:48 - Data: 127% Increase in Overdose Deaths
00:14:10 - Suicide Deaths Rising & Rural Mortality Trends
00:15:22 - Primary Care Shortages vs Metro Areas
00:16:05 - Broadband Access Gaps for Telehealth
00:21:00 - Complaining about IT & Tech Limitations
00:23:10 - Closing Thoughts & Reflections from Missouri

Links:

• https://mrhassociation.org/healthneeds/
• https://mrhassociation.org/annualconference2025/
• https://mrhassociation.org/healthneeds/

Connect with us: 

https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ 

https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners

https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PeBKWsMLX08