Lena Esmail is a healthcare innovator and the CEO of QuickMed, which she founded in 2018.
YOUNGSTOWN, OH / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2024 / Healthcare entrepreneur and visionary Lena Esmail, CEO of QuickMed, is making a compelling case for expanding healthcare access in rural and underserved communities. Since its founding in 2018, QuickMed has brought critical medical services to Ohio's most vulnerable populations, addressing long-standing disparities in healthcare delivery. Now, Lena Esmail is advocating for broader support for innovative healthcare solutions that ensure equitable access to care.
The Healthcare Crisis in Rural and Underserved Areas
A growing body of evidence highlights the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions. According to the National Rural Health Association, rural Americans are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke than their urban counterparts. Furthermore, 61 million people in the U.S. live in rural areas, where healthcare provider shortages and limited facilities create significant barriers to timely care.
Lena Esmail's QuickMed aims to address these issues by offering an accessible, innovative model of care that integrates telemedicine and advanced practice providers (APPs). QuickMed's approach ensures that patients in remote areas receive comprehensive, high-quality medical care without the need for long-distance travel or exorbitant costs. "We believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for those living in metropolitan areas," says Esmail.
Why QuickMed's Model is Critical to the Future of Healthcare
Lena Esmail's personal experiences growing up in Youngstown, Ohio shaped her understanding of the critical need for accessible healthcare in underserved communities. She notes that too many families face the devastating consequences of healthcare inequities, including poor health outcomes and financial burdens. Esmail's mission with QuickMed is to "bridge the healthcare gap" by delivering telemedicine, in-school clinics, and community-based healthcare facilities to the regions that need them most.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 25% of rural residents report forgoing care due to cost concerns, and 23% cite transportation issues as a barrier to healthcare access. QuickMed's integration of telehealth and mobile clinics aims to eliminate these obstacles, providing cost-effective care options directly within the community.
"Telemedicine is a game changer for rural areas," says Esmail. "We're able to bring essential healthcare services to people who would otherwise go without. Whether it's a routine check-up, a chronic disease consultation, or preventive services, our model ensures that everyone gets the care they need-when and where they need it."
In-School Clinics: Supporting the Next Generation
A cornerstone of QuickMed's model is its in-school health clinics, which provide vital healthcare to children in underserved areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school-based health centers improve student health and academic achievement. By offering comprehensive healthcare services-including vaccinations, physical exams, and mental health support-QuickMed's in-school clinics ensure that students remain healthy, reducing absenteeism and improving overall well-being.
"Our in-school clinics are not just about providing healthcare; they're about empowering children with knowledge about their health," says Esmail. "We're setting these kids up for success-not just academically, but for lifelong well-being."
Call to Action: Supporting Innovative Healthcare Models Lena Esmail is calling on local and national stakeholders to support the expansion of innovative healthcare models like QuickMed. As the healthcare landscape evolves, Esmail emphasizes that telemedicine and community-based care are the future, especially for underserved regions. Supporting these models is not only crucial for health equity but also for improving the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare delivery across the nation.
QuickMed's proven success demonstrates that these solutions work: since 2018, QuickMed has grown to serve over 100,000 patients annually, and Esmail aims to expand this model to reach more communities in need.
"We need the support of policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to make a lasting impact," Esmail states. "Together, we can build a future where every person-no matter where they live-has access to the healthcare they deserve."
About Lena Esmail
Lena Esmail is a healthcare innovator and the CEO of QuickMed, which she founded in 2018. With a background in nursing and healthcare management, Esmail has a strong commitment to healthcare equity and accessibility. She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Nursing and Biology from Youngstown State University, a master's degree in Family Practice Nursing from Ursuline College, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Kent State University. Esmail is a passionate advocate for expanding healthcare access through telemedicine and community-based initiatives.
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SOURCE: Lena Esmail