FCC Updates Mapping Broadband Health in America Platform

The FCC released an updated Mapping Broadband Health in America platform through its Connect2Health Task Force. “The 2017 platform now reflects the latest complete annual fixed broadband dataset from the Commission and updated health data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings,” the FCC said in a Thursday news release. “As telehealth, telemedicine, and other cutting-edge mHealth initiatives gain momentum across the country, this web-based mapping platform enables more efficient, data-driven decision making at the intersection of broadband and health.” The FCC said data is a first step for everything from “better leveraging broadband to help manage chronic health conditions for seniors in Giles County, Tennessee” to reducing post-surgical pain “through Virtual Reality applications in Barbour County, West Virginia.” The FCC said nearly half of U.S. counties have high incidents of chronic disease and a need for better broadband connectivity. “That translates to over 36 million people who live in counties with a ‘double burden’ of need -- an increase of 1 million between 2014 and 2015,” the agency said. The data shows preventable hospitalizations are 150 percent higher in the least-connected counties compared with other counties, it said. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said the data shows the situation remains bleak for many Americans. “By investing in this vital broadband health mapping platform and unveiling a new list of critical need counties, the Commission is providing the data needed to ensure connectivity reaches those communities most in need," she said. "I am confident that when relevant stakeholders work together across sectors, we will successfully break boundaries at the intersection of broadband and health policy.”