Patrick Thiele, President at Applichat, moderated a panel on telehealth access for rural and underserved communities at Net Inclusion 2026. The conference is the annual gathering of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and was held in February 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.
The Panelists
- Stephanie Pugliese | Colorado Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI) — Presented the OeHI–Applichat telehealth awareness campaign in Northwest Colorado, including the outreach strategies and community partnerships that supported awareness in underserved communities.
- Michelle Simon | Pima County — Addressed implementation challenges at the county level and Pima County’s approaches to filling gaps in local telehealth infrastructure.
- Barbara C. S. Pinto | Computers 4 People — Discussed the role of device access as a prerequisite for telehealth adoption.
- Karen Rheuban | University of Virginia — Offered a state and national review of lessons learned in Virginia and called for pursuing telehealth opportunities “with gusto and advocacy.”
Recommendations from the Colorado OeHI–Applichat Campaign
The multi-channel campaign spanned seven rural counties in Northwest Colorado, aiming to increase telehealth adoption through local providers, particularly among underserved communities. Thiele and Pugliese shared the following recommendations with attendees, drawn from what the campaign found to be most effective in engaging diverse rural residents.
1. Start with Research
The project used Connected Nation’s “Remote Access, Real Impacts” report to identify data-backed barriers to telehealth adoption. Rather than relying on assumptions, the analysis highlighted the specific challenges to address. Using a local or regional data report ensures the campaign solves the right problems from day one.
2. Team Up with Trusted Messengers
Outreach to local organizations was key. The project shared resources with trusted community partners, so they could pass them on to residents. Receiving information from a familiar and trusted source increased the likelihood that people would try the service.
3. Create an Accessible Digital Hub
A central website, Telehealth-Ready.com, was built as an easy-to-use home base for the community. The site was designed to be bilingual and accessible without a login or password, removing any friction for skeptical users. Providing a “no-pressure” way to learn allows residents to build confidence at their own pace.
4. Reach People Where They Are
The campaign used a mix of media to maintain a strong local presence. This included bilingual materials (English and Spanish), printed flyers, local newspaper ads, and paid social media ads. Using both digital ads and in-person outreach ensures the message reaches everyone, regardless of their technology skills or internet access.
Click here for more resources, including a myth-busting guide and a downloadable flyer with the recommendations shared above.
About Net Inclusion 2026
Net Inclusion is the annual convening of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to advance digital equity across the country.
About Applichat
Applichat partners with organizations to build communication strategies that are accessible, inclusive, and centered on the communities they serve.
Founded in 2019, Applichat has worked with more than 170 organizations to strengthen outreach, amplify underrepresented voices, and ensure that information reaches the people who need it most.
Visit applichat.com or reach us at:
Email: ASIadmin@applichat.com
Phone: (512) 960 3086
