In a landmark effort to enhance digital equity across South Texas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) committed more than $21 million over three years to ensure that local communities have access to high-speed reliable internet and the skills to use it. They’ve partnered with Community Tech Network to help spearhead this initiative.
When people can access the internet, the health benefits are endless. (You can read about a few here.) In fact, digital equity has been called a “super” social determinant of health. Telehealth, for instance, makes attending doctor’s appointments easier for folks who live in rural areas, can’t afford transportation, are homebound, or have busy schedules with jobs and children.
Meanwhile, the wealth of information available online allows individuals to learn about health procedures and make informed decisions for themselves. There are also apps that help people track their nutrition and medication, stay in touch with loved ones, build community with those who have similar interests (thereby decreasing isolation and depression), and so much more!
Recognizing the health benefits of expanding digital access in Texas, MHM funded CTN to train 30 agencies across the region (with a focus on those located in Bastrop, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties) in order to prepare each organization’s staff and volunteers to either launch a digital equity initiative or improve and expand their already-existing ones. This capacity-building training from CTN includes lessons on how to best teach digital skills classes, answer tech support questions, help community members access affordable home internet, and more.
The grant also enables CTN to provide each community partner with 25 devices, a curriculum to teach their technology classes (available in the language of their choice), plus additional tools and resources.
“This impactful partnership will increase the capacity of community-based organizations (CBOs) and community anchor institutions (CAIs) in Texas to provide critical digital resources, training services, curriculum, and support,” said Skye Downing, Programs and Partnership Director at CTN. “Our work together will advance individual and communal digital equity in Texas, highlighting the roles that digital equity and access play in health care outcomes.”
Beyond offering training, curriculum, and devices, CTN will also deploy five digital navigators who will assist community members on the ground with their day-to-day questions related to internet adoption, devices, and basic technology skills. As part of this initiative, CTN has even launched a new online course, Digital Equity and Healthcare. Additional training to become a Public Benefits Support Specialist will be available this fall.
CTN is proud to work alongside MHM to advance digital inclusion in Texas. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of creating a more connected and equitable future, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.
For more information on community partnership with CTN under the MHM grant in Texas, please contact Senior Program Manager, Jessica Strom, at jstrom@communitytechnetwork.org.
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