CLEVELAND — A collaboration between University Hospitals and PCs for People will bring 500 laptops and hotspots for in-need families in Cleveland, the organizations announced this week. 

The partnership will be aimed at qualifying families out of the UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Ahuja Center for Women & Children in MidTown.

In addition to the 500 laptops and hotspots, the organizations will provide three months of broadband internet service. The pilot program, which is scheduled to begin this month, will last six months. The organizations hope to continue the program out of other UH facilities following the pilot. 

PCs for People works with 1,500 electronics recycling partners throughout the U.S. to bring refurbished computers to 300,000 users. 

“Impactful partnerships like this are why we exist,” said Casey Sorensen, CEO at PCs for People. “The lack of access to digital devices and internet impacts almost every aspect of a person’s life, from health care to education to employment. We are proud to partner with UH to serve their patients and be part of the solution for better health and better lives for these individuals.”

After the three months of internet service is up, participants will have the option to continue receiving service at $15 a month. 

University Hospitals says that virtual doctor visits increased by 3,000% from 2019 to 2020. Many of its patients, the organization said, lack access to high-speed internet. 

“We know many of our patients do not have proper access to the resources and technology required for our expanding telehealth options,” says Brian D’Anza, medical director of telehealth at UH. “It is critical to think of the patient’s well-being beyond the walls of a doctor’s office; this includes social determinants of health such as digital connectivity which a program like this one will help to address.”

PCs for People and the state of Ohio have formed a partnership to bring computers to residents across the state. More than 14,000 computers have been pledged through the program. To determine if you’re eligible call 216-930-5741.