Boston, MA – December 12, 2023 — Link Health is thrilled to announce that it is one of the proud recipients of the inaugural Community Health Equity Empowerment (CHEE) Fund grant, a collaboration between the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and Mass General Brigham. This grant aims to enhance health and wellness in Boston’s underserved communities, and Link Health is poised to make a significant impact in bridging the digital divide within healthcare by helping to channel millions in federal benefits to Bostonians.
The CHEE Fund, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and supported by Mass General Brigham Community Health and Health Equity, will enable Link Health to further its mission of connecting patients to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a 14.2B federal benefit program, and eliminating the digital divide in healthcare. This grant is critical when healthcare disparities are exacerbated, and access to vital resources, including broadband internet, is pivotal for improving health outcomes.
Mayor Michelle Wu, in partnership with BPHC, recognizes the importance of empowering community-based organizations to address persistent health inequities. Link Health, with its innovative approach to bridging the digital divide, aligns perfectly with the goals of the CHEE Fund.
Link Health’s CEO, Dr. Alister Martin, ER physician and Harvard Professor, expressed enthusiasm for the grant, highlighting that this funding is a game-changer for Link Health and the communities we serve. The CHEE Fund grant will allow us to expand our efforts in connecting individuals to the Affordable Connectivity Program, thereby fostering health equity and civic involvement.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides subsidies to lower-income households, offering vital support for broadband internet access. Link Health has already made strides in screening over 9,000 individuals for the ACP, and enrolling over 1100 patients in the ACP by collaborating with community health centers and hospitals.
ER physician, Link Health Founder, and Harvard Assistant Professor, Dr. Alister Martin, underscores the significance of this award, stating, “Modern healthcare is intrinsically linked to internet access. The CHEE Fund grant will allow us to expand our efforts in connecting Bostonians to the Affordable Connectivity Program and other critical federal benefits, thereby fostering health equity and civic involvement among those who need it most.”
Link Health’s has been covered by the Boston Globe, the Aspen Institute, NBC, and the New England Journal of Medicine and is excited to embark on this new chapter, leveraging the CHEE Fund grant to create transformative change in healthcare access for Boston residents.
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For further information about Link Health’s initiatives, please visit our website or contact melissa@ahealthierdemocracy.org