Hospital: UMMC

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 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 COE and WCCHC 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!

Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) showcased their pioneering "Data Scarcity" research project at the Digital Health Summit in the US Capitol held in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2024. Partnering with Dr. Saurabh Chandra and his team at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a Telehealth Center of Excellence designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), WCCHC underscored the importance of data accessibility in advancing healthcare technology.

Captain Heather Dimeris, Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (OAT), HRSA, DHHS, was present.

"I was honored to present our findings, which shed light on the challenges and opportunities in leveraging data for equitable healthcare," remarked Principal Investigator, Chrissy Kuahine.

As WCCHC continues to lead the charge for health and tech equity, their commitment to advancing national policy discussions remains unwavering, ensuring that every voice, especially those from underserved communities, is heard and amplified on the national stage.

🦷 Dr. Elizabeth Carr was honored to present groundbreaking insights at the American Institute of Dental Public Health last week! Her dedication to advancing dental healthcare is truly inspiring. Keep shining, Dr. Carr! ✨ #DentalHealth #PublicHealth #AIODPH

Mississippi has the 5th highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the country at 13.6 per 100,000 individuals, and over half of new HIV diagnoses occur in the South.  Mississippi also has among the highest PrEP-to-need ratios in the country. The premise of this project is that, although underserved populations in Mississippi have high rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, many are not engaged in PrEP care.  This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including limited access to PrEP providers, HIV testing, and affordability of PrEP medications, coupled with the stigma associated with sexual health.  We plan to overcome barriers to access to PrEP and other preventive tools in rural and underserved areas. End HIV app will focus on building outreach, at-home testing, and initial linkage to and adherence to PrEP. We are excited to announce the launch of the application! Visit your Google Play and Apple stores to download the application.

https://endhiv.umc.edu/#/home

On October 27, 2023, both Center of Excellence's (COEs) participated in a meeting with Telehealth Resource Centers (TRC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in Rockville, Maryland, to explore potential partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

Pictured: Louise Nott, Public Health Analyst (OAT HRSA), Dr. Saurabh Chandra, Project Director (UMMC COE), Hollie Thomas, Program Manager (UMMC COE), Colleen Morris, Program Coordinator (HRSA OAT), and Ryan Kruis, Director of Grants and Research (MUSC COE)