NPL Telehealth Initiative for Seniors

Services targeting seniors continue to move to theinternet (health information, social security, Medicare details, employment opportunities, and other social services). During the Covid-19 pandemic this digital divide has become even more pronounced for seniors. NPL's Digital Inclusion (DI) program aims to close this digital gap andprovide much need health information to underresourced seniors. The Digital Inclusion programcreates cognitive stimulation, eliminatesisolation, reduces depression, builds bonds,creates easier access, provides access to criticalhealth and government services, and encouragesinterested and able seniors to re-enter theworkforce. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic,NPL's DI team is even more focused on healthinformation initiatives and telehealth trainingusing a hybrid programming model and began amulti-phased service delivery model designed toaddress the service gap and the growing needs ofseniors. Phase one of NPL's Telehealth Initiativeincluded providing devices, training and homebroadband access to seniors. Phase two of theproject will now focus on training and providingaccess to accurate health information. Examples oftraining classes include "Finding HealthInformation You Can Trust" and "How to use MedlinePlus".