Comcast has awarded $20,000 to Transhealth, a western Massachusetts non-profit and independent healthcare center that supports and empowers trans and gender-diverse individuals and families. This announcement is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and economic mobility through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.
Transhealth provides expert, gender-affirming care in the way of primary care, mental healthcare, hormonal care and community support and engagement. This grant will allow the organization to upgrade their technology to better serve their clients as they provide health and wellness services, both remotely and in person. Among other things, Transhealth will use the funding to provide a safe space for the transgender community to access WiFi, as well as implement ongoing staff training related to specific needs of the transgender community, such as navigating digital healthcare services and ensuring internet safety.
“This donation is a game-changer for an organization that does so much good in our community,” said Gina-Louise Sciarra, Mayor of Northampton, one of the western Massachusetts towns whose residents are served by Transhealth. “With the generous support of Comcast, Transhealth will be better equipped to meet the needs of the people they serve, now and into the future.”
“I am incredibly grateful to Comcast for awarding Transhealth this community grant,” added Dallas Ducar, Transhealth CEO. “Their recognition of the work we do and their commitment to our organization are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
Comcast is also partnering with Transhealth to help the clients they serve learn about the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible low-income households with a credit of up to $30 per month ($75 per month on tribal lands) toward their Internet and/or mobile service. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can get home Internet through Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost once the federal credit is applied. Internet Essentials customers can also add a line of unlimited 5G cellular data ($45) through Xfinity Mobile for as little as $24.95/month after the ACP benefit is applied.
“We understand the important role that the Internet and reliable digital equipment play in helping build a future of unlimited possibilities for everyone in the community, and we’re pleased to partner with Transhealth to ensure they have the tools they need,” said Dan Glanville, Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Impact for Comcast’s Western New England Region, which includes western Massachusetts.
Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity in the communities it serves. Over the past three years, the company has invested $48.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to more than 270 non-profits in Massachusetts. This investment includes the installation of Lift Zones – seven of which are in western Massachusetts – which provide free, high-speed WiFi service to local community centers to promote digital learning.
For additional information on Project UP and Comcast’s digital equity initiatives, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.