FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ar’Sheill Monsanto
E: arsheill@ahealthierdemocracy.org
P: (832) 921-7017

National Nonprofit, Link Health Works to Get People Discounts on Home Internet Services to Expand Access to Telehealth.

HOUSTON, TX — National nonprofit organization Link Health announced the inception of its Houston location with a goal to help Houstonians get access to free or reduced internet access at home through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Recognized by stalwarts in Boston for its transformative approach in harnessing the health sector to advance connectivity, Link Health is set to further its mission in greater Houston through Link Health: Houston which partners with large health systems and Federally Qualified Health Centers such as Lone Star Family Health Center, Legacy Health System, and Harris Health System. 

During the past Texas legislative session, six broadband bills were signed into law, prioritizing access to the internet as a statewide initiative. However, in Houston, more than 170,000 households lack access to the internet according to Education Superhighway. The number is even greater statewide because, in Texas, over 4 million people face the digital divide. Of the 4 million Texans who are eligible for the ACP benefit, 2.7 million remain unenrolled. 

Fortunately, a federal provision of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to narrow this gap by offering up to a $75 monthly subsidy on any internet service plan from partnered providers. Additionally, those providers are also offering a one-time subsidy of $100 to purchase a device such as a laptop or tablet. The challenge has been educating the public about the benefits and helping them get enrolled. “We are excited and grateful to partner with Link Health to help our patients access this increasingly vital service – broadband,” said Savitri Seupersad, Program Manager at Lone Star Family Health Center.

“Through our work with healthcare systems, we have helped families receive over $240,000 in discounts from the ACP. We’re helping put this money back into under-resourced households. With the ACP’s monthly discount, families can save up to $900 a year and use that money for other household expenses.” said Link Health founder, Dr. Alister Martin. As part of this effort, Link Health is working with health centers across Houston to facilitate ACP enrollments directly in the waiting rooms. 

About Link Health

Founded by ER physician and Harvard Assistant Professor, Dr. Alister Martin, as a branch of the non-profit incubator A Healthier Democracy, Link Health epitomizes the commitment to fostering health equity and civic participation. Link Health’s groundbreaking contributions have been Featured at the Aspen Institute, The Boston Globe, and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Be part of the movement

To become a part of this transformative journey or to learn more about the Houston Initiative, please get in touch with us at arsheill@ahealthierdemocracy.org.

Link Health: Bridging the Digital Divide, One Patient at a Time