Accessibility
April 3-9 is National Public Health Week 2023, and we are joining American Public Health Association (APHA) in “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health.” Each day this week, we are highlighting a community health program or organization whose mission and work align with APHA’s theme of the day. Together, we make health happen.
Accessibility
“About 26% of U.S. adults have a disability, though Native Americans and senior citizens are disproportionately affected by disabilities. Adults with disabilities are also more likely to have heart disease, be smokers and have diabetes than the general population.” - American Public Health Association (APHA) , National Public Health Week 2023.
Read the APHA’s full post regarding accessibility in English or in Spanish.
Lea la publicación completa de la APHA sobre accesibilidad en inglés o en español.
In our rural Down East Maine region, seniors, Native Americans, and persons with disabilities face multiple challenges to accessing healthcare resources and services, including a severe shortage of specialized and behavioral healthcare providers, lack of public transportation services, and increasingly limited availability of paramedical services/EMTs. In Washington County, residents often need to travel long distances to access care, particularly specialty services, which creates a significant barrier to access. While the rise in telemedicine services bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic could help reduce regional healthcare disparities, many parts of Washington County do not have access to fast, reliable internet service.
Access to broadband internet is crucial for healthcare in rural areas, particularly in a post-pandemic world where telemedicine has become a primary means of delivering healthcare services. Telemedicine relies heavily on internet connectivity, allowing patients to communicate with their healthcare providers remotely. This is particularly important for patients in rural areas who may have limited access to healthcare facilities and professionals. With broadband internet, patients can schedule appointments, participate in virtual consultations, and receive prescriptions without leaving their homes. Telemedicine can help healthcare providers reach more patients in remote areas, improving healthcare access and outcomes.
Broadband internet access can also support healthcare education and training for healthcare providers in rural areas. With access to online resources, healthcare professionals in rural areas can participate in continuing education and training programs, which can help them stay up-to-date on the latest medical practices and technologies. This can improve the quality of healthcare services delivered to rural communities, as well as increase the number of healthcare professionals in these areas. Ultimately, access to broadband internet can help bridge the gap in healthcare access between urban and rural areas, improving health outcomes for all patients.
Washington County Digital Equity Coalition
Digital equity is commonly defined as, "A condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services." Without a doubt, digital skills and access to reliable and affordable internet can improve health outcomes as individuals and families access telehealth, employment and educational opportunities, safety net programs, health insurance options, housing, and government benefits. Sunrise County Economic Council and stakeholders across Washington County, including Healthy Acadia, recognize the ever-increasing need for digital equity to ensure every citizen has the right to access affordable devices, reliable and affordable internet, digital literacy training programs, and technical support. To that end, a coalition of organizations has been crafting a digital equity plan for Washington County which will be submitted to the Maine Connectivity Authority for inclusion in a state-wide plan.
- Elaine Abbott, Sunrise County Economic Council
For more information or to participate in the planning process for Washington County, please contact Elaine Abbott at Sunrise County Economic Council: eabbott@sunrisecounty.org or 207-259-0594.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a $14.2 billion federal program that helps families and households who are struggling to afford internet service.Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the ACP provides eligible households with a discount of up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands) and a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
In Maine, 238,710 households are eligible for the ACP, yet only 65,000 (27% of those eligible) have enrolled.
Households are eligible if the annual income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, if anyone already receives Lifeline, or if you participate in one of many federal assistance programs. GetACP helps you find out if you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), what documents you need, and how to connect to plans that are free with the ACP. Click here to learn more.
Together we make health happen.
To make a donation to support Healthy Acadia’s programming and initiatives, click here or send a check by mail to Healthy Acadia, PO Box 1710, Ellsworth, ME, 04605. Thank you for your support!
Looking for new ways to give or get involved? Subscribe to our newsletter to learn when new opportunities arise, volunteer with one of our program areas, learn more about our programs and resources, join our Sunrise Monthly Giving Circle, include us in your will, make a gift to our endowment, or hold a fundraiser! For more ways to get involved today, give us a call at 207-667-7171. We would love to hear from you!