About Link Health
Houston

Our mission is to bridge the gap in healthcare services and provide a platform that fosters collaboration, education, and empowerment for all Houstonians.

Health System Partners

Welcome to the Houston Initiative of Link Health!

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a dramatic increase in the use of telehealth. However, despite its promise; telehealth has the potential to widen the healthcare access gap and leave vulnerable patients further behind. That’s because, in spite of widespread internet usage in the United States, 15–24% of Americans still lack a broadband connection. That means that roughly 40 million households are eligible to be enrolled in a federal program that can close the digital divide called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a provision of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provides a subsidy of $30/month for households on any internet service plan offered by a participating provider. It also allows a one-time $100 subsidy for a desktop, laptop, or tablet. Enrolling is simple and Link Health is here to help Houston residents.

We understand the impact of utilizing healthcare to address the digital divide. Recognized by the Boston Globe, our collaborations with hospitals and clinics empower patients to secure internet connectivity funds.

Link Health’s Mission and Impact

At Link Health we leverage the health sector to connect patients to the ACP and close the digital divide. To date, Link Health has partnered with over 700+ hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. While patients are waiting to see the doctor, our Link Health staff are able to assist in helping eligible patients sign up for the ACP during their doctor’s visit. Since our inception, we have helped over 2,000 people receive their $30 monthly benefit.

Link Health’s groundbreaking work has been featured at the Aspen Institute, NBC, and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Link Health’s vision is backed by its origin within A Healthier Democracy, a 501(c)3 incubator at the intersection of health and civic engagement. ER physician and Harvard Professor, Dr. Alister Martin, founded this organization, embodying our commitment to promoting health equity and civic involvement.

Partnership Opportunity in Houston: Fostering Community Impact

As part of our ongoing efforts, Link Health is excited to introduce our Houston Program. In collaboration with local clinics and healthcare centers, we aim to amplify the reach of the ACP and ensure equitable access to vital resources. This partnership holds the potential to transform the healthcare landscape and ensure that no patient is left behind due to digital barriers.

Link Health will select and enroll five clinics/healthcare centers in Houston in our pilot program.

Each community center partner agrees to allow Link Health staff to directly enroll patients into the ACP during their time in waiting rooms, one day per week during a five-hour shift.

Concurrently, each health center agrees to work with Link Health to send one text message blast about the ACP to patients. Link Health staff will manage ongoing text communications in case of replies so as to not burden health center staff.

Other details of the pilot partners of the program include:

All costs of materials & resources are covered by Link Health during a four-month pilot program ranging from Aug. 15- Dec. 15th.
Each participating clinic will receive a $5,000 stipend for their partnership
In-person & digital ACP enrollment coordinated & delivered by paid Link Health Staff
Spanish-speaking staff & materials provided by Link Health

Stay in touch!

For further insights into Link Health’s Houston initiative, please reach out to Arsheill@ahealthierdemocracy.org. Together, let’s transform healthcare access and foster a future where connectivity knows no bounds.