Advancing Health Equity through Digital Inclusion

At the recent Hawaii State of Reform Health Policy Conference, UMMC COE Principal Investigator, Chrissy Kuahine had the privilege of presenting on behalf of Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) and its efforts in advancing digital inclusion as a critical Health-Related Social Need (HRSN). Her presentation, “Digital Inclusion: The Essential HRSN and Its Role in Advancing Health Equity,” highlighted the Data Scarcity: Enhancing Telehealth Access project, showcasing shared goals to improve health outcomes through equitable technology access.

Digital inclusion—encompassing access, literacy, and meaningful use—plays a pivotal role in addressing HRSNs such as food insecurity, housing, transportation, healthcare, and workforce development. Without intentional efforts to ensure digital equity, we risk perpetuating disparities and undermining broader health equity initiatives.

Key Discussion Highlights:

  1. Mobile Broadband and Telehealth Utilization
    • Demonstrated how initiatives like the WCCHC-UMMC Data Scarcity project enhance telehealth adoption and expand access to underserved populations.
  2. Clinical Outcomes
    • Highlighted the connection between reliable internet access, telehealth engagement, and improved chronic condition management, such as diabetes care.
  3. Digital Literacy and Health Engagement
    • Showcased innovative programs, including Kupuna Digital Literacy classes and the My CHC Mobile App, as models for empowering patients to confidently use technology for healthcare access.

A Call to Action:

The presentation underscored the growing intersection of AI and HRSNs, emphasizing the potential risks of widening inequities without workforce training and digital readiness. As we adopt advanced technologies, we must prioritize efforts to eliminate barriers to telehealth adoption and expand digital literacy to foster meaningful health engagement.

UMMC's COE remain steadfast in their commitment to addressing these challenges and driving initiatives that promote equitable access to care, improved outcomes, and long-term, meaningful change. Together, we can create a future where health equity is powered by digital inclusion.

For more information on the project or to explore how digital inclusion efforts are advancing health equity, click here.