Bridging the Digital Divide for Spanish-Speaking Medicaid Recipients in North Carolina

Digital connectivity is essential for engaging in social, economic, civic, and health related needs. Nearly all aspects of human existence are tied to use of computing devices and connection to the internet. Even as access to internet connectivity is essential for digital inclusion, the digital skills to navigate the internet is equally important. A study by the U.S. Department of Education estimated that approximately 16% of working adults were not digitally literate. ECU, in collaboration with community partners, implemented a project which aims to promote digital inclusion across 18 counties in eastern North Carolina (ENC), however there is a gap in reaching Spanish-speaking populations. This grant through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina will fill this gap and will enable the trainings to be translated and provided in Spanish to Medicaid eligible Spanish speaking populations in ENC. Through the work of CHWs, community members will (1) receive education and training on developing and improving their digital health literacy skills; (2) get connected with newly established library based digital lending programs; (3) receive information and guidance on accessing available state level resources; and (4) gain access to county level health promoting resources and programs.

Scholars @ ECU