Insights from the Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Building Telehealth Equity
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has released the findings of a new telehealth study done in partnership with Connected Nation Michigan (CN Michigan) with support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The research provides new insights into how the Tribal members use telehealth, what barriers exist, and attitudes toward telehealth.
“We want to improve health equity among all tribe members — ensuring they have access to the critical health care resources that can help improve their quality of life,” said Larry Jacques, Director of Strategic Planning for the Sault Tribe. “Telehealth can save Tribe members time and money; connect them with high-quality health services; and ensure continued access to health care practitioners when weather or health concerns makes it difficult to travel.”
The study was conducted using a series of surveys and virtual conversations with Tribe members. The purpose was to identify ways Tribal health clinics can expand their telehealth efforts, identify unmet demand, and address concerns that may prevent some Tribe members from adopting telehealth services.
Groundbreaking Telehealth Research
Connected Nation’s research team released a study in March 2020, as the pandemic closed down the country, which closely examined the use and perceptions of telehealth in rural areas.
To explore the issue further, Connected Nation hosted a telehealth summit featuring experts in broadband access and telehealth and explored the issue further with a new study published in December 2021.
Our research continues today with work being conducted in Texas and among tribal communities in Michigan. Contact us today to inquire about our findings or to learn more about conducting a study and analysis in your area.
Telehealth Summit
In April 2021, Connected Nation hosted a telehealth summit that brought together industry insiders and digital equity experts.
