In an effort to promote digital equity across South and Central Texas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) funded Community Tech Network to train 30 agencies across the region, preparing each team’s staff to bridge the digital divide in their community. One such organization that received training was MHP Salud, a health-based nonprofit. At the heart of MHP Salud’s work are Community Health Workers, or CHWs.
CHWs are directly from the communities that they serve, which allows them to understand the area’s unique needs and resources, speak the same language, and build trust with the population. According to Jill Spannagel, MHP Salud’s Vice President of Community Initiatives: “When outsiders come in, it’s going to be very difficult to build that trust. CHWs, though, live and breathe the community they are advocating for.”
Essentially, CHWs are “boots on the ground,” according to Spannagel, who serve their fellow community members by providing health information (including but not limited to nutrition, sex education, and falls prevention). They also assist folks with applications for government benefits and healthcare and connect them to critical health resources and services.
Now, thanks to Community Tech Network, MHP Salud’s CHWs in Maverick County and Rio Grande are also certified digital navigators and are equipped to help community members access the internet.
This deeply ties to MHP Salud’s mission, as the organization believes in taking a holistic approach to health. As many studies have shown, access to the internet, which allows people to access health information online, schedule telehealth appointments, fill their prescriptions, and connect with loved ones (thereby decreasing loneliness and depression), is a crucial component of healthcare.
Catherine Diaz, a Program Manager overseeing MHP Salud’s digital equity efforts, says that the CHW in Maverick County has already felt the difference she is making.
“People have been asking for her. To start, she’s been helping people create email addresses and get familiar with their phones. Since the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended, she’s also been helping people find alternative low-cost home internet options. And at the same time, she continues to help people with social needs, such as food insecurity and utility assistance.”
Helping folks find affordable internet is particularly important. As Spannagel shares: “A lot of folks are on a fixed income. When you look at the choice of food or internet, it’s not even a real option. People are going to get food.”
MHP Salud also specifically praised the training and resources that they received from CTN. “I came in the training without a lot of knowledge of [digital equity], and the lack in our community. The training was really helpful, and I learned a lot about just how important connectivity is for our population. It was also great to gain all the resource sheets and links [that CTN provided], which our CHWs can directly use to support the community.”
Going forward, Diaz says she is looking forward to seeing MHP Salud’s CHWs (and now newly certified digital navigators) continue “empowering people, connecting them to resources, and improving their lives.”
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