For low-income families and individuals, internet connectivity and usage can be a major struggle. Sometimes there is enough money to pay for internet at home, but not enough to buy a device that connects to it. Other times, there is an existing laptop, tablet or smart phone, but no internet connection.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 2.8 million households and 7 million people do not have access to high-speed internet. The Texas Broadband Development Office estimates that 23% of Texans without home internet are unable to attend online classes, fill out most job applications or start a business.

In addition, this population is unable to access telehealth services from home, log in to their patient portal to communicate with a trusted healthcare provider or order necessary medication refills online.

Two Baylor College of Medicine medical students, Nicole Nyamongo and Selena Guo, are fellows for the Houston cohort of Link Health, a nonprofit organization that works to increase internet access for everyone so they can lead healthier lives.

Link Health fellows in Houston were featured in a live segment on KPRC.

“Internet is a super social determinant of health in that it’s connected to health outcomes or other outcomes, like job opportunities and educational opportunities,” Nyamongo said. “If patients don’t have internet access or they don’t have stable internet at home, they can’t access those resources.”

Started by Dr. Alister Martin, an emergency medicine physician in Boston, Link Health was founded to promote health equity. According to the organization’s website, Link Health has partnered with more than 700 hospitals, clinics and community health centers to increase internet access for more than 2,000 people.

By registering with Link Health, households can receive a $30 discount on an internet service plan. In addition, those who register then qualify for monetary assistance in purchasing a device like a tablet or laptop computer. Discounts also can go toward paying a phone bill.

In July 2023, the organization expanded to Houston. Nyamongo and Guo, both second-year medical students, work at various Legacy Community Health clinics by talking to patients and helping them sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal program that helps people receive discounted internet access.

“I grew up surrounded by technology, and I took it for granted. But as I’ve been seeing more patients, I realize how important internet is,” Guo said. “Patients have to access their patient portal and send messages to their doctor via that portal. Link Health realizes that not everybody has internet… (this population) gets blocked off from healthcare in a lot of ways.”

The students have connected with patients at back-to-school events, refugee health fairs and Harris County wellness clinics, in addition to lobbies at Legacy Community Health. Guo said it’s an opportunity to see parts of the community that she wouldn’t otherwise experience.

At the fairs, many languages are heard, Nyamongo said, including Spanish, Rwandan and Swahili. She likes the direct impact with patients and families.

“I feel as a student, there’s not much more I can do nationwide or worldwide,” Nyamongo said. “So we like that we’re going to the clinics and signing people up for this program. It feels like more tangible work to me.”

The program is meant for people who already qualify for other federal relief programs, such as reduced or free school meals, WIC, SNAP and Pell Grants, Nyamongo said.

Nyamongo grew up in Dallas, and Guo is from the Bay Area in California. Both students relish the opportunity to learn about the Houston community through their work with Link Health.

Link Health was designed to be operated by students, including medical and undergraduate. Students from Rice University, University of Houston and Prairie View A&M University also work with the organization.

“Internet connects you to so many things; not just healthcare. For students, their homework. For parents, their job applications or signing up for other government programs,” Guo said. “I would say healthcare is just one aspect of that, but then again, everything kind of coalesces into your well-being, and therefore health. Just being connected (is important) – especially after COVID.”

Learn more about Link Health in Houston.

By Julie Garcia