Broadband
Louisiana lags the nation in the number of households with high-speed internet access with over 400,000 households still lacking access, but great things are on the horizon!
Goal
Increase households with high-speed internet access and utilization of digital and telehealth medicine programs.
Success Measure
82,000
82,000
More than 82,000 more homes with high-speed internet
Broadband is a "super social determinant of health" because connectivity is critical to accessing other support programs including digital health services/telehealth, virtual learning, benefit sign up and more. Louisiana (89% coverage) lags the nation (92% coverage) in the number of households with high-speed internet access with over 400,000 households still lacking access.
Internet Access
Percentage of households that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Our collaboration with Gov. John Bel Edwards and other partners secured $1.35 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access and eliminate the digital divide connecting communities to devices and services vital for social resources and telemedicine. READ MORE
What we should know & do to drive change:
Most impacted populations
- Female more than male
- Over 65 years of age
- People who did not attend college
- Rural communities
- People who make less than $20k/year
Broadband rate in my community
Great news! 88.2% of Louisiana is covered (AHR).
Solutions
BEAD & Digital Literacy PLAN (BEAD)
ConnectLA, created by former Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2020, aims to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana. Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar is aligning funding with key partners to expand broadband access, build infrastructure, offer affordable internet, and reduce digital illiteracy in the state. In early 2024, Kim Hunter Reed, a founding member of the Healthy State and Higher Education Commissioner, joined Gov. Edwards to announce a major federal investment in broadband expansion and new digital literacy programs. Around 462,000 Louisiana residents lack basic digital literacy skills, affecting their access to essential services. The Louisiana Board of Regents, part of the Healthy State Advisory Board, is collaborating with ConnectLA, the Department of Education, and the State Library to pilot digital literacy programs in high-need areas. Achieving the goal of eliminating the digital divide requires leaders and organizations from various industries to unite under a common mission. This significant investment will equip tens of thousands of Louisiana homes with high-speed internet, enhancing the quality of life statewide.
Larry's Blood Pressure Digital Medicine Story
Larry's Blood Pressure Digital Medicine Story
Larry Davis shows how easy it is to check your blood pressure at home with the help of digital medicine.
News
The Advocate - Louisiana leads nation in program to connect homes with fast Internet service
The Washington Post - Biden announces $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access
Priority Area Partners
Join us in building a healthier Louisiana for all.
Regardless of background, everyone is invited to join in shaping a healthier future for Louisiana. Together, through collective action and collaboration, we can make this vision a reality. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or support, every contribution counts in building a healthier Louisiana for all.
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