MHS Serves grants aim to boost broadband access
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
A statewide health-equity initiative launched last year by Indiana’s Medicaid services provider has awarded grants to 22 community organizations to increase broadband internet access and tech literacy.
MHS Serves is a $12 million health-equity program launched by Managed Health Services in partnership with advocacy organization Indiana Minority Health Coalition and Indianapolis management consulting firm Black Onyx Management. The 22 grants mark the first partnership endeavors for MHS Serves since its 2023 inception, MHS said in a news release.
“Broadband access and tech literacy play crucial roles in addressing health disparities by enabling underserved populations to access essential health resources and services,” MHS Chief Health Equity Officer Shara Wesley said. “For instance, broadband facilitates the use of telemedicine, online health information, and digital health tools, allowing individuals to receive timely and effective care regardless of geographic location.”
The grants will go toward establishing internet cafes, community computer labs and similar efforts in the counties of Adams, Benton, Clinton, Dearborn, Delaware, Elkhart, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Lake, Martin, Marion, Monroe, Ohio, Ripley, St. Joseph, Switzerland and Vanderburgh.
The organizations:
- Allen Chapel AME Church
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFÉ)
- enFocus Inc.
- Friends of Historic Vernon
- Healthy Communities of Clinton County
- Indiana Pride of Color
- Indiana University Health Foundation
- IndyGo Foundation
- La Casa de Amistad
- Learning Network of Clinton County
- Lifetime Resources
- Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth Inc.
- Monroe County United Ministries
- Mt. Pleasant Christian Church
- Mt. Zion Baptist Church
- Mt. Carmel Church
- New Direction Christian Church
- Ohio County Community Foundation
- The Indianapolis Muslim Community Association Inc.
- Trans Solutions Research and Resource Center
- Wheeler Mission
Managed Health Services, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based managed-care company Centene Corp., administers the Hoosier Healthwise and Hoosier Care Connect Medicaid programs and the Healthy Indiana Plan Medicaid alternative program.