The Chicago Department of Public Health has partnered with NowPow to create a digital infrastructure to help expand access to community resources, the groups announced Wednesday.
The department will use NowPow’s platform to extend the reach of its COVID-19 contract tracing efforts, as well as to connect quarantining residents with necessary services.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, it’s critical that residents know what supports are available and where to find them,” said Christina Anderson, the deputy commissioner at the department. “With this technology, we’re able to connect people to vital social services and resources that can help meet their needs.”
Additionally, the department will use the platform to support maternal, child and HIV programs, as well as to increase access to mental health and other services for vulnerable populations.
“We know – now more than ever – that most of what each of us does to stay healthy and manage with illness happens outside the doctor’s office, at home and in our communities,” said Dr. Stacy Tessler Lindau, founder and chief innovation officer of NowPow. “We know that every community has vital resources to support wellness, independence and living with illness, but these resources are only as good as the ability of Chicagoans to access them. Our platform will foster vital connections in and across our communities.”