FCC Selects MetroHealth to Expand High-Speed, Low-Cost Broadband Access to Low-Income Patients Residing in Cuyahoga MHA Housing

Date Published: 
June 30th, 2021

From MetroHealth's press release:

MetroHealth’s proposed pilot project has been selected by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to participate in the FCC’s Connected Care Pilot Program. This pilot will support the System’s Digital Connectivity Initiative, which includes providing patients living in the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) housing with high-speed, low-cost internet access. The pilot proposes FCC funding of $901,000 over three years to subsidize internet connection for CMHA residents.

This opportunity builds on previous FCC funding for MetroHealth’s Hospital in the Home Program – launched in 2020 to care for COVID-19 patients and vulnerable/high-risk non-COVID-19 patients remotely in the patient’s home via live video telehealth exams. Remote health care helps patients in the treatment of chronic and long-term health conditions including diabetes, hypertension and issues related to mental health.

The Digital Connectivity Initiative, launched last year, is operated by MetroHealth’s Institute for H.O.P.E.™ The Initiative enables MetroHealth neighbors – including residents at CMHA’s Scranton Castle building - to connect to the internet and with their health care providers through video visits and health coaching.

The first households in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood began receiving subsidized internet access in April 2020. Low-cost internet service was made available last summer to residents in the CMHA Scranton Castle senior apartment complex off West 25th Street. This project connected over 300 individuals and households with internet access in 2020.

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“The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority is committed to improving the quality of life of the low-income families we serve throughout Cuyahoga County,” said CMHA Chief Executive Officer Jeffery K. Patterson. “This opportunity with MetroHealth and partners will ensure residents have access to the critical support, care and medical access needed with high-speed, low-cost internet service through the Connect Care Pilot Program.”

Read MetroHealth's press release.

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