Bridging the Digital Divide Through On-site, Health Center–Based Internet Clinics

Bridging the Digital Divide Through On-site, Health Center–Based Internet Clinics

Link Health, a Boston-based program that utilizes a three-pillar, community-based strategy, increased access to the Internet in marginalized communities by leveraging the Affordable Connectivity Program.

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Regulatory changes to the landscape of medicine in the United States, such as changes in privacy and licensure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, have expedited the transition to telemedicine in health care. With the rise of telehealth as an essential health service, connectivity to the Internet has become increasingly important, but many disadvantaged communities remain without consistent access. A recently passed federal benefit, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), aims to remedy this issue by providing access to wireless Internet for low-income households. To date, however, the ACP’s benefits remain significantly underutilized by individuals and families eligible for the program. Link Health is a grassroots initiative designed to increase uptake of the ACP by establishing on-site, health center–based Internet clinics in historically underserved communities throughout the Greater Boston, Massachusetts area. By working with local community health centers and community-based organizations, Link Health functions as the intermediary between lower-income populations who qualify for the ACP and Internet service providers by raising awareness of the ACP and assisting individuals through the eligibility and sign-up process. In this article, the authors detail the strategies employed to maximize uptake of the ACP in low-income communities. These efforts can be deployed in vulnerable communities around the United States to increase access to necessary care and continue to close the digital divide.

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