GUELPH – For community members without access to digital devices and services, the world is becoming more difficult to navigate. It’s a problem known as the “digital divide.” On June 7, a group of community partners earned an award for its work that aims to keep community members connected through digital resources.
The Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition has been selected as one of three 2023 Transformative Change Award recipients, awarded by the Alliance for Healthier Communities. The Transformative Change Award recognizes leaders, innovators, collaborators and health champions who have been at the forefront of transformative change to achieve the vision of the best possible health and wellbeing for everyone living in Ontario.
“We are deeply honored and grateful to receive this prestigious award, which will help us increase awareness of digital equity as a social determinant of health,” says coalition co-chair Karrie Cumming.
“This award recognizes our community’s leadership and continued advocacy to increase access to devices and build capacity throughout the community to build digital skills.”
When a person is impacted by the digital divide, they experience challenges accessing many of the health and wellness supports that are in place to support them, states a press release from the alliance. This includes attending virtual health visits, connecting to outreach workers, participating in online programming and social programs, and applying for jobs.
Digital resources also support people in connecting with loved ones, keeping informed of health education and news, accessing food security supports, and accessing entertainment, the release states.
“Too many of our community members are being left out because they don’t have access to digital devices or wifi connections, or they don’t have the skills or confidence to use devices,” said Cumming.
To address this increasing need, the coalition has worked with partners and community members to promote advocacy, access to devices and networks, and build capacity.
“We can have a much greater impact by working together, and this type of transformative systemic change celebrates the commitment from a diversity of partners, and the strong voice of community members with lived experience,” said Cumming.
The award was presented at the Alliance for Healthier Communities annual conference, Connected Communities: Building Equitable Integrated Healthcare Conference on June 7.
Members of the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition include Guelph CHC, the City of Guelph’s Local Immigration Partnership, Guelph Wellington Poverty Task Force, United Way, ARCH, Guelph Tool Library, Guelph and Wellington County Public Libraries, University of Guelph, County of Wellington, Guelph Family Health Team, Action Read, Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition and the Alliance for Healthier Communities.
