Closing the Digital Divide – An Overview of MHM’s Initiative to Advance Digital Equity
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) seeks to understand and address the root causes of health inequities across its 74-county service area. As outlined in its strategic plan, the organization invests in target initiatives to further impact systemic change – one of its three strategic focal areas. One of the initiatives Methodist Healthcare Ministries supports is digital equity. In the organization’s pursuit to advance health equity; it recognizes the digital divide as a vital condition, that negatively affects the overall well-being of families, individuals, and communities.
The video and sections below provide a comprehensive overview of MHM’s digital equity initiative.
Eliseo Ceja serves as a digital equity coordinator at MHM. He points to several factors which have widened the gap for communities, “The digital divide really comes down to a mix of social and structural issues. In a lot of rural or underserved areas, families do not have reliable or affordable internet to begin with.” Ceja explains that even if there are services available, barriers still exist, with device costs and monthly bills creating financial burdens for families and individuals.
Ceja said the lack of digital tools and access to technology has effects which can ripple across a person’s life, “People may not feel comfortable using technology for things like healthcare, school, or work. All of this shows that digital equity is not just about technology; it is about opportunity, health, and making sure people can fully participate in today’s world.”
Across its service area, MHM seeks to improve Digital Equity by identifying, investing in, and supporting broadband and telehealth approaches that help close the digital divide. Three legs support this initiative:
- Infrastructure- strengthening the foundation for connectivity
- Affordability &Tools – expanding access to technology
- Digital Skills Training -empowering communities with the knowledge to connect
The organization has invested over $35 million in digital equity initiatives across South Texas which include:
- Building the capacity of grantee partners
- Expanding access to digital opportunities
- Advancing broadband connectivity and infrastructure
“It is about opportunity, health, and making sure people can fully participate in today’s world.”
Eliseo Ceja, Digital Equity Coordinator
Ceja said MHM’s efforts to advance digital equity have led to improved opportunities and outcomes, “Families have been able to get devices and training, which helps them feel more comfortable and confident using technology day to day. We have also worked alongside community organizations so they can offer things like digital navigation classes, help people apply for benefit programs, or get devices into the hands of community members.”
The organization’s goal is to ensure communities across the service area have access to reliable and affordable broadband service; including the skills and opportunities to use technology to support their economic, health, and social needs.
MHM utilizes a strategic alignment as an approach to accomplish targeted outcomes in its systems change and strengthen communities’ focal areas:
MHM views collaboration as a critical component in its work to advance digital equity, “Every community has its own needs, strengths, and challenges, so listening and working with trusted local leaders is key.” Ceja said through MHM’s pursuits, team members have learned digital equity touches many parts of people’s lives, “We have seen how closely digital equity connects to healthcare, education, housing, food security, and economic mobility. When we treat it as a cross-cutting priority, the changes are stronger, and the impact lasts longer.”
When we treat it as a cross-cutting priority, the changes are stronger, and the impact lasts longer.”
As part of its overall commitment to advance health equity, MHM understands health and wellness begin long before individuals seek clinical care. Access to quality resources, such as technology, broadband, and digital training can improve the health and well-being of communities and disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Ceja said MHM seeks to carry out its work, “Investing in digital equity opens the door to better health, stronger education, economic mobility, and healthier communities overall. At the end of the day, the vision is for digital inclusion to be a foundation for equity and well-being so that everyone has the tools they need to thrive in a connected world.”
To learn more about MHM’s digital equity initiative, click here.
