Let’s close the
digital divide
in healthcare
Everyone deserves access to quality digital health care.
THe problem
Studies consistently find that Latino/x patients have lower rates of patient portal access and utilization in comparison to non-Latino/x White patients.
Latinos are tech savy and ready to embrace the conveniences of digital health!
87% of Latino/x internet users own a smartphone, spending 25% more time online than the national average.
Our Solution
At Alma First: Digital connection, Human touch, we bridge the digital divide in healthcare by training pre-medical students as Alma First Fellows to provide culturally and linguistically competent digital health support to underserved communities.
“Alma” means soul in Spanish.
We aim to empower patients to use digital health tools with care and compassion, with ALMA First.
What’s the alma first effect?
At Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine Clinic, Dr. Fernandez saw 25 Latinx patients ages 19-79…
In a survey conducted on that sample, only 28% of patients indicated they had previously utilized video visits for their healthcare needs.
After introduction and guidance on how to navigate it, 77% of patients successfully completed a video visit.
Alma First illuminates the digital health barriers that often obscure the path to care, casting a spotlight on the stories of underserved communities. Through this awareness, we strive to bridge the divide, ensuring that every voice is heard and every need is met.
HOw we do it
Education
With our customized evidence-based curriculum we teach and train pre-health students on the most effective ways to reach Latinx communities.
Research Presented
We partner with digital health products, bring their technology to health fairs, and help people use them.
2. Digital Navigation
Mental Health Fair
Partnered w/ Sanarai to bring mental health services
Summer Urban Health Fellowship Fair
Partnered w/ Delete the Divide to bring laptops and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
3. Advocacy
We attend tech conferences and collaborate with health tech companies to make tech more accessible.
Students have spoken & attended
The Alma First Fellowship is a pathway for future clinicians dedicated to advancing
digital health equity.
“Digital Health has opened a door for people such as my own family who have always struggled accessing healthcare.”
Leslie Avilez
“I see a lot of potential in digital health helping make services more accessible, which is what I hope to do in the future.”
Brianna Flores
“Collaborating in such a dynamic environment has not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my passion for leveraging technology to improve health outcomes for underserved communities.”
Yesenia Méndez Buenrostro
News
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National Latino/x Physician Day
Join us as we celebrate with Latinas in Tech
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Read the Blog
Read Dr. Fernandez's blog
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Central Valley Cohort
We are recruiting 2-5 students from the central valley to help with our upcoming events.
join the movement
Calling all pre-med students interested in joining our next cohort.
Contact Us
For all startup founders and community leaders interested in partnering with us please send us email at
program@almafirst.com