Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative encourages communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly to consider the following funding opportunities: Continue reading
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MHAC Encourages Participation in MAPC’s Digital Navigator Program RFI
In partnership with municipalities, housing authorities, nonprofits, and private entities, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is working to address issues related to the barriers to accessing and using the internet (otherwise known as the Digital Divide) within these communities.
Responses to an “Digital Navigator Program” RFI issued by MAPC will assist the regional planning agency in building capacity within local communities to support residents in improving their lives through the use of digital technology and the Internet. The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative encourages communities and stakeholders in the age-and dementia friendly movement to participate so that older adults are represented. Continue reading
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Available to Older Adults
As of July 4th, over 34,000 Massachusetts households have enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative encourages communities working to become age-and dementia friendly to raise awareness about this program to help connect older adults to internet access.
The EBB provides eligible households with a temporary, monthly discount of up to $50 towards their broadband service. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Continue reading
MHAC Advances Digital Equity Efforts Through Advocacy Letter
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) continues to promote the concept that technology is a social determinant of health and that older adults need to be included in policy discussions aimed at addressing the digital divide.
Both of those points were central to a letter distributed to the state’s Health Equity Task Force that held a recent public hearing on digital equity. The letter was sent to other state groups and commissions, including the co-chairs of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Continue reading