Series - Editorial Fellowship: digital transformation and technology for social impact

Experts now say digital access can determine a person’s health — here’s why that matters to social purpose organizations

Author Sharlene Gandhi
Low-tech and in-person interventions still need urgent funding, health researchers say

Why It Matters

From health services to social assistance, government and community organizations are investing in online service provision. For the 19 per cent of Canadians that identified as non-users or basic users of the internet even post-Covid, this cuts them off from critical services, leaving them even more exposed to health and wellbeing risks.

This independent journalism on data, digital transformation and technology for social impact is made possible by the Future of Good editorial fellowship on digital transformation, supported by Mastercard Changeworks™. Read our editorial ethics and standards here. 

Like most health and care providers, the West Elgin Community Health Centre in Ontario pivoted to offering online services at the beginning of the pandemic. It wasn’t long before they realized the impact that had on clients with disabilities, and older adults. Quickly, two groups who needed their services the most were not only cut off from a physical health centre, but many also lacked the digital literacy to be able to access online health services.  Using a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Wes

 

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