According to a March 16 press release, the Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) department at Mount Sinai Health System is collaborating with The New York Public Library (NYPL) to support access to telehealth services and digital literacy skills. This effort aims to further expand equitable healthcare throughout New York City.
The press release states that “The Library’s TechConnect department will hold free classes called ‘Take Charge with MyChart,’ which teach participants how to find a new doctor, access existing medical records or test results, schedule or attend a virtual doctor’s appointment, and refill prescriptions online using MyMountSinai, Mount Sinai’s version of MyChart, a software system and app widely used by healthcare organizations.”
The class will be two hours and will be available online and in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in midtown Manhattan, the Bronx Library Century in the Bronx, and Richmondtown Library and St. George Library Center on Staten Island. Additionally, a Chromebook borrowing program will also be offer for individuals so they can check out devices and access telehealth resources at their convenience.
“The telehealth class, which does not require attendees to already have a MyChart account, is a part of NYPL TechConnect that provides more than 100 beginner- to advanced-level technology classes to help adults develop computer skills,” the release notes. “This work is part of the Library’s overall commitment to lifelong learning and education, led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education, a position established with a gift from James Tisch, Co-Chairman of Mount Sinai Health System’s Boards of Trustees, and Merryl Tisch, Ed.D. That investment builds on, expands, and strengthens the Library’s robust work in the areas of digital equity, technology training, adult literacy, early literacy, and summer learning by developing innovative, cohesive programs.”
This initiative is supported by The New York Community Trust and NYPL TechConnect is supported by Arthur W. Koenig, Apple Education, Accenture, and by NYC Connected Communities, a program of the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation. Mount Sinai Health System is supported by the New York State Health Foundation.
Bruce Darrow, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, Information Technology, and deputy chief information officer of the Mount Sinai Health System was quoted in the release saying that “Over the past few years, it’s become clear that our commitment to our patients cannot stop at the doors of our buildings. This program helps to address a digital divide in our community and we are grateful to NYPL and the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation for partnering with us on this important initiative.”
