CareSource Recognized for Reducing the Digital Divide

The Ohio Association of Health Care Plans awarded the nonprofit with the Pinnacle Award.

(DAYTON, OH – September 28, 2021) – The Ohio Association of Health Care Plans (OAHP) has recognized CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, with the Pinnacle Award for 2021. The award, given annually, recognizes OAHP member plans for innovative approaches to addressing challenges in health care. CareSource received the award for the Dayton-Montgomery County Digital Equity Initiative.

“At CareSource, we realized early into the pandemic there was a significant technology gap for our members and residents in our public housing community,” said Steve Ringel, CareSource Ohio President. “That digital divide could cause barriers that would prevent residents from accessing health care and hinder their overall ability to connect to essential resources.”

CareSource helped launch and coordinate the Dayton-Montgomery County Digital Equity Initiative in an effort to improve access to online workforce development, education and telehealth. The program, initially funded by a $2 million CARES Act grant, distributed 902 laptops and provided broadband access to nearly 1,900 residents of five low-income housing communities.

CareSource provided volunteers to distribute the devices and contributed $400,000 to support the project’s long-term sustainability. The plan will advance the program with more telehealth options, digital literacy training and enabling text messaging for member engagement.

“We’re proud of the work that all our health plans do to help their members live healthier and fuller lives,” said Kelly O’Reilly, OAHP president and chief executive officer. “We’re honoring CareSource for the truly special contributions the company has made to increasing digital equity in health care.”