Press Release
January 28, 2021
Contact: Jon Conradi
[email protected]

COVID-19 Pandemic Highlighted Necessity of Connectivity for Patients and Providers

Washington, D.C. – On taking office, the Biden Administration set thematics for each day of the new president’s first weeks in office to highlight top priorities for the nation. Each day Connect Americans Now (CAN) will weigh-in with our take — outlining how eliminating the digital divide is critical to achieving these objectives. Today, CAN executive director Richard T. Cullen released the following statement on the administration’s Thursday focus on providing access to affordable healthcare for all Americans.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the tremendous benefits broadband-enabled telehealth brings to patient access to quality, affordable health care,” CAN executive direct Richard T. Cullen said. “Access to telehealth has been a game changer for Americans, allowing patients to consult with a physician or get the care they need while limiting exposure and visits to strained hospitals and urgent care centers.”

“But for too many Americans access to telehealth is out of reach due to a lack of a reliable and affordable broadband connection,” Cullen said. “Congress has taken positive, bipartisan steps to address this challenge by providing emergency resources to expand access to telehealth in both the CARES Act and COVID-19 relief package passed at the end of 2020 — but much more must be done.”

“Tackling the digital divide, while continuing to prioritize targeted efforts to expand access to telehealth, must be an integral component of the Biden Administration’s commitment to promoting access to affordable health care,” Cullen said. “Broadband-enabled telehealth must be available to all Americans as part of a wider focus on health care access.”

CAN is a coalition of more than 275 organizations and companies representing voices for agriculture, health care, education, small business, technology, veterans, rural advocacy and more — committed to completely and swiftly eliminating the digital divide in America through an all-of-the-above approach.

Read CAN’s statement on the administration’s Wednesday focus on climate change HERE.

Read CAN’s statement on the administration’s Tuesday focus on racial equity HERE.

Read CAN’s statement on the administration’s Monday focus on “Buy American” HERE.

Read CAN’s statement on the administration’s last Friday focus on rebuilding the economy HERE.

Read more on CAN and our mission HERE.

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