UC Davis Health Launches Digital Inclusion Program to Expand Healthcare Access

UC Davis Health and Verizon Business Unveil Game-Changing Initiative

In a groundbreaking move to bridge the digital divide in healthcare, UC Davis Health has joined forces with Verizon Business to launch a Digital Inclusion Program. This innovative program aims to provide technology, connectivity, and healthcare to underserved populations. The key objective is to address the social and digital determinants of health and reduce discrepancies in health outcomes by providing access to telehealth care and social services.

Free Technology and Connectivity for Underserved Populations

As part of the Digital Inclusion Program, free smartphones, tablets, and connectivity will be provided through hot spots, especially to the most vulnerable patients, including the incarcerated, unhoused, and elderly. This initiative is expected to cover a staggering 6 million people living within a 65,000 square mile radius, offering them improved access to health and social services.

Addressing Social and Digital Determinants of Health

UC Davis Health and Verizon Business are not only focused on providing technology and connectivity. The program also aims to address the broader social and digital determinants of health. This means taking into account factors such as income and social status, education, physical environment, and access to social support networks, all of which have a significant impact on health outcomes.

Challenges and Potential Impact of the Digital Inclusion Program

While the program faces challenges such as sustainability and scalability, the potential impact is immense. The power to transform lives by making healthcare accessible to those who need it most cannot be overstated. By bridging the digital divide, UC Davis Health and Verizon Business are making strides towards equitable healthcare access for all.

Other Digital Health Efforts by UC Davis Health

Beyond the Digital Inclusion Program, UC Davis Health has been instrumental in launching several other digital health initiatives. These initiatives include a remote digital care program for post-angioplasty care, an opioid overdose surveillance pilot program, and a centralized abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance program using AI software. In collaboration with other health systems, UC Davis Health has also unveiled VALID AI and developed a comprehensive Health at Home framework.

Digital Literacy Training for Underserved Communities

Alongside providing access to technology, the Digital Inclusion Program offers digital literacy training for underserved communities. By offering low-cost devices and internet access, along with training on how to use digital tools for healthcare and education, UC Davis Health aims to improve not just access to healthcare services, but also to educational resources, thereby uplifting entire communities.

In conclusion, UC Davis Health's Digital Inclusion Program, in collaboration with Verizon Business, is a powerful step towards achieving health equity by bridging the digital divide. By providing free technology, connectivity, and digital literacy training to underserved populations, they are ensuring improved access to health and social services, thereby addressing the social and digital determinants of health.