As part of a citywide effort to address social determinants of health, Link Health and TEK Collaborative launched the 2nd Annual Enroll Boston campaign on October 11, aligning with Digital Inclusion Week. The campaign, which reached community members across Boston’s high-traffic public spaces, connected 81 residents to public benefits, distributing $149,497 in essential resources like affordable internet, energy assistance, and nutrition support. By enrolling community members in programs such as Lifeline, SNAP, TAFDC, and WIC, the initiative provided vital assistance to underserved populations. Additionally, TEK Collaborative and Link Heath fellows distributed 75 laptops to empower residents, addressing digital equity and enabling better access to essential services.
Dr. Alister Martin, founder of Link Health, highlighted the partnership’s significance: “By bridging healthcare and digital access, we’re building a foundation for sustainable health equity.” The campaign underscores Link Health’s mission to meet healthcare needs by connecting individuals with resources that impact their health beyond the hospital.
Supported by students from Northeastern University’s PreMed and PreHealth Advising Program, who served as certified patient navigators, the campaign offered guidance on accessing essential services. These students, trained through the Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Training (PNCT) program, played a crucial role in Link Health’s outreach, helping community members navigate healthcare and social support systems.
One notable success story came from the lower Roxbury site, where a mother expressed gratitude for the laptop provided to her son, an aspiring digital designer. She shared, “Now he doesn’t have to rush to the library. He can work from home and focus on his projects.” With the laptop, she said, he can fully commit to his goals, applying to digital design programs with fewer barriers.
Donetta Barros, Senior Director at Neighbor Health South End, emphasized the health impact of digital access: “Just as access to healthy food and safe housing affects health, reliable internet access is critical for connecting to healthcare, job opportunities, and educational resources.”
Jeff Williams, founder of TEK Collaborative, explained the broader vision: “The digital divide isn’t just about internet access—it’s about opportunity. We aim to ensure digital inclusion so that everyone, especially underserved communities, can thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
With funding from Mayor Wu’s administration, the City of Boston’s Digital Equity Fund, and the Mass Broadband Institute’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program, Enroll Boston is creating lasting change by providing the resources Boston residents need to improve their quality of life and build a healthier, more connected community.
