Connectivity Program
Connectivity Program
City implementation partner: NYC Health + Hospitals
During the early months of the pandemic, many behavioral health patients responded well to tele-mental health options as demonstrated by higher attendance and retention in treatment. And yet, limitations to access persist: many patients lack devices and data plans with sufficient coverage for both tele-mental health services and regular use. The Connectivity Program – a partnership between OCMH and NYC H+H – provides devices and data to connect behavioral health patients with obstacles to virtual care to tele-mental health services. The program aims to provide devices and data plans to 1,000 high-risk patients with limited connectivity, who were diagnosed with COVID-19, or who have chronic disease and high mental health needs.
94%
of people continue their mental health treatment within 30 days of receiving a device. 327 total phones have been distributed in the first 6 months (starting in July 2021) and the most common recipients are Black men aged 61-70 years old in Brooklyn.
40%
of New York City households do not have comprehensive connectivity, (a combination of home and mobile broadband), which means that 3.4 million residents are excluded, entirely or in part, from digital life. Source.
As tele-mental
health options grow in acceptance and prevalence with the onset of the pandemic, evidence indicates that virtual support can address stigma around seeking care and breaking down other barriers to care. Source.