Digital Equity Ambassadors

Internet access has been labeled a “super” social determinant of health (SDOH) because, with it, patients can access resources linked to better health outcomes, such as educational opportunities, jobs, federal benefits, and health services. Despite widespread internet usage in the United States, 15–24% of Americans lack a broadband connection, a requirement for telehealth, and the many resources that underpin the SDOH. Link Health, is a nonprofit initiative that launched at Massachusetts General Hospital that leverages the healthcare sector to connect patients to a little-known federal benefit called the Affordable Connectivity Program, which gives eligible patients up to $75/mo. to pay their phone/internet bill, increasing broadband access for marginalized patients.

The Link Health Digital Equity Ambassadors Program works with high caliber medical and pre-health students to connect patients to the ACP.

We are looking for medical students and pre-health students to join our Spring and Summer cohorts of the Link Health Digital Equity Ambassadors program.

Students will:

• Learn the basics of community organizing

• Receive the tools and training to connect patients to the ACP to help close the digital divide alongside health care professionals and fellow pre-health students.

• Engage in optional writing, research, and conference presentation opportunities

Note: Our in person, Digital Equity Ambassadors Program is only open in Boston. Remote Digital Equity Ambassadors are encouraged to apply and projects will be scoped to fit a virtual setting.