FCC To Hold Virtual Event on March 3, 2022

Registration

Registration can be completed here. 

Topics

Topics are expected to include:

• Perspectives and insights on broadband connectivity as a social determinant of health
• The future of broadband-enabled health technologies (e.g., home hospital) and how FCC policies and programs could support ongoing innovations within the social determinants of health framework
• Seminal literature and data sources and future research needs
• Framing a call-to-action for additional research and a policy roadmap to support and establish broadband connectivity as a social determinant of the health domain.

Background

The FCC explains that the event gathers public and private sector thought leaders from a variety of disciplines, including telecommunications and health care, to discuss issues around recognizing broadband connectivity as a “social determinant of health.” 

“Social determinants of health reflect the fact that health begins where we live, learn, work, and play; they are the non-medical factors (including education, health care access, income, and employment) that affect health or can serve as a predictor of one’s health status. 

Participants will also explore the implications of this framework for national broadband policies, population health, and government-wide efforts to address health inequities. 

Achieving digital health equity through improving broadband access and adoption is an FCC priority and will be an overarching theme of this event.”

The FCC further explains that “For many years, stakeholders have viewed broadband as a critical means to connect healthcare providers to patients and to close gaps related to time and distance, but, unfortunately, many Americans are still falling through the broadband health gap. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on health inequities and broadband gaps, including for people of color as well as people living in rural, tribal, and other underserved communities. Hence, it is critical to ensure that the benefits of broadband connectivity are available to everyone, everywhere.”

Resources

• Additional information on the event can be accessed here.
• General Information on the Task Force can be accessed here.
• Specific Information on the Task Force’s “Advancing Broadband Connectivity as a Social Determinant of Health Initiative” can be accessed here.
• For event questions, contact the Connect2HealthFCC Task Force by e-mail, and insert “Symposium Question” in the subject line.