Local medical students are tackling an issue that has become critical in today’s digital age: access to the internet. Recognizing the significant gap in digital access among underserved communities, the Baylor College of Medicine’s student-led Digital Equity Program, in collaboration with Link Health, is making strides to bridge this divide. Third-year medical students Nicole Nyamongo and Selena Guo are at the forefront of this effort, bringing vital resources to those who need them most.
The digital divide disproportionately affects Black and brown communities, particularly in lower-income households. Accessing telehealth services, managing healthcare appointments, and connecting with health professionals is often hampered by a lack of affordable internet.
“Internet access is considered a super social determinant of health,” says Nyamongo. “Without it, many are left behind, unable to take advantage of telehealth services or even access their patient portals.”
This inequity has become even more apparent since the COVID-19 pandemic, where the shift to online services left many without the necessary tools to engage with their healthcare providers. Nyamongo and Guo, both fellows in the Digital Equity Program, have been working tirelessly to ensure that low-income residents in Houston gain access to low-cost broadband through the federal Lifeline program.
“Our role involves directly reaching out to the community,” Guo explains. “We’ve been attending community health fairs, back-to-school events, and even setting up clinic booths to sign up eligible patients for Lifeline. We’re not just giving them internet access; we’re giving them a way to connect with vital health resources, and in some cases, a lifeline to their wellbeing.”
The impact of their work is already visible. Over the past year, the Link Health Houston team has screened more than 9,600 patients for eligibility, resulting in many households gaining internet access at a reduced cost. These efforts are crucial for a city like Houston, where an estimated three million households are eligible for the Lifeline program, yet only 8% are enrolled.
Guo shares a poignant story of a patient she encountered at a public hospital, a refugee with limited English and income.
“She was concerned about her job, her family, her income—things beyond her immediate health,” Guo recalls. “The forms and resources she needed were online, but she didn’t even have a phone. It highlighted to me just how critical internet access is, especially for those in vulnerable situations.”
Nyamongo adds, “It’s easy for health professionals to assume everyone has internet access, but that’s not the case. Our work is about bringing awareness and helping people tap into the available resources.”
Strong community partnerships, including collaborations with Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Houston, and Legacy Community Health, have driven the program’s success in Houston. These partnerships ensure the program’s sustainability and expand its reach, engaging undergraduate and medical students across the city.
Looking ahead, the program aims to continue expanding its outreach, utilizing both in-person and virtual methods to connect with as many residents as possible.
“We’ve started sending out text messages to patients, allowing them to connect with ambassadors who can guide them through signing up for federal benefits,” says Guo. “This virtual aspect has allowed us to screen even more people, reaching those who might not attend an event or visit a clinic.”
For Black and Brown communities in Houston, the Digital Equity Program represents more than just an initiative; it’s a step toward reducing health disparities and empowering individuals to take control of their health.
“Our work is about more than just internet access,” Nyamongo emphasizes. “It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or background, has the tools to live healthier lives.”
