HOUSTON, TX — National nonprofit organization Link Health announced the inception of its Houston location with a goal to help Houstonians get access to free or reduced internet access at home through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Recognized by stalwarts in Boston for its transformative approach in harnessing the health sector to advance connectivity, Link Health is set to further its mission in greater Houston by partnering with large health systems and Federally Qualified Health Centers such as Lone Star Family Health Center.
During the past Texas legislative session, six broadband bills were signed into law, prioritizing access to the internet as a statewide initiative. However, in Houston more than 170,000 households lack access to the internet according to Education Superhighway. The number is even greater statewide because in Texas, over 4 million people face the digital divide. Of the 4 million Texans that are eligible for the ACP benefit, 2.7 million remain unenrolled.
Fortunately, a federal provision of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to narrow this gap by offering a $75 monthly subsidy on any internet service plan from partnered providers. Additionally, those providers are also offering a one-time subsidy of $100 to purchase a device such as a laptop or tablet. The challenge has been educating the public about the benefit and helping them get enrolled. “We are excited and grateful to partner with Link Health to help our patients access this increasingly vital service – broadband” said Savitri Seupersad, Program Manager at Lone Star Family Health Center.
“Through our work with healthcare systems we have helped families recuperate over $240,000 in discounts from the ACP. We’re helping put this money back into under-resourced households. With the $75 monthly discount, families can save $900 a year and use that money for other household expenses.” said Link Health founder, Dr. Alister Martin. As part of this effort, Link Health is working with health centers to facilitate ACP enrollments directly in the waiting rooms.
About Link Health
Founded by ER physician and Harvard Professor, Dr. Alister Martin, as a branch of the non-profit incubator A Healthier Democracy, Link Health epitomizes the commitment to fostering health equity and civic participation. Link Health’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized at forums such as the Aspen Institute and the New England Journal of Medicine. The organization has also successfully collaborated with over 700 hospitals and community centers, assisting thousands of individuals in availing their monthly ACP benefits. To become a part of this transformative journey or to learn more about the Houston Initiative, please get in touch with us at arsheill@ahealthierdemocracy.org.
Link Health: Bridging the Digital Divide, One Patient at a Time