How Philanthropy Can Help Rural Communities Use Technology to Improve Mobility and Health

Philanthropy can help the application of technology solutions to address mobility and health issues faced by rural communities, reports Health Affairs . Its contributions can include bringing people and groups together to outline communities' needs and assets and to coordinate resources better. Philanthropy also can help surmount barriers such as jurisdictional barriers to transportation availability, limits on sharing information protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and insurance and liability concerns. In addition, philanthropy can incentivize new partnerships and test and distribute good ideas. An investigation by Grantmakers In Aging, CITRIS, and the Banatao Institute at the University of California, Berkeley explored ways healthcare providers and payers should participate in rural mobility. They cited a model that enrolls healthcare providers and communities that pay a fee for mobility management and coordination services and pre-fund rides for beneficiaries, using a unified technology platform that connects transportation providers, volunteer drivers, and members and staff. Other tools under consideration include employing drones to help provide medical supplies to rural communities.