CentraCare Joins National Effort to Expand Internet Access

CentraCare announced today that it has joined American Connection Corps, an initiative led by Land O’Lakes, Inc., Lead for America, Heartland Forward, and 16 other national organizations. This project addresses inequities caused by lack of access to broadband Internet – especially in rural America.

Under this new program of the American Connection Project, 50 American Connection Corps Fellows – young leaders selected to focus on this work – will partner with local resources to increase digital access, improve digital equity and grow digital literacy. Their initial efforts will focus on 10 states, including Minnesota, and last for two years.

“CentraCare is proud to be a partner in this meaningful initiative,” said Ken Holmen, MD, CentraCare President and CEO. “We have seen first-hand that inequitable access to broad-band Internet results in people not getting the care they need – including telehealth, virtual visits and online appointment scheduling.”

The American Connection Corps is the largest fellowship program in the nation dedicated to addressing the digital divide. According to Holmen, “This initiative is a win for society at large, not just healthcare. Narrowing the divide helps almost every sector, from education to commercial business and more.”