Kevin Faughnder, CEO, Norton County Hospital

Kevin Faughnder, CEO, Norton County Hospital

From Norton County Hospital in northwest Kansas, CEO Kevin Faughnder described the realities of providing care in a community of just 5,000 people, where patients often live hours away from the specialists they need. In rural communities, healthcare is not only about treatment, it is about access.

Faughnder explained how broadband-enabled telehealth is helping close that gap. Through technology systems patients can connect with specialists from home or inside the hospital, avoiding long travel times and months-long waits for appointments. In emergency situations, the hospital can also connect with specialists in South Dakota in real time, giving local providers immediate support during complex cases.

Throughout the discussion, one theme remained clear: broadband is essential infrastructure for rural healthcare. Reliable connectivity allows hospitals to expand services, attract specialists, and provide care that would otherwise be out of reach.

Looking ahead, the conversation explored the future of telehealth, AI, and advanced healthcare technology, while also emphasizing that even as technology evolves, trust and human connection will remain at the heart of patient care.

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