UNC telehealth booth installed for families without reliable internet in Lumberton

However, for patents who don't have reliable access to the internet at home or through a mobile device, telehealth hasn't been a viable option.

UNC Health Southeastern's Community Health Education Center is striving to overcome this inequitable access to health care by offering a telehealth booth, which will be available for public use at Biggs Park Mall in Lumberton.

“Telehealth is an extremely important alternative to face-to-face medical appointments that allows patients to stay connected to primary care providers to maintain their overall good health,” said UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Lori Dove.

Dove said this telehealth booth is another way they are working to serve the community while encouraging them not to delay important care for overall wellness even amid concerns about exposure to COVID-19.

The booth is the first of five that will be placed around Robeson County as part of a “Fill the Gap” grant from North Carolina Healthcare Foundation.

Additional booths will be added by December 2021.

New and established patients who wish to use the booth may call the UNC Health Southeastern Contact Center at 1-877-735-8864 to schedule an appointment with available primary care providers during CHEC’s operating hours, which are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Individuals interested in signing up for a MyChart account and organizations that would like to be considered as a telehealth booth host site may contact Carlotta Winston at (910) 316-2274.

Funds for the booths were provided by a new NC COVID-19 Hospital Preparedness Program grant, as well as the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation.