This article is part of our Young Leaders in Behavioral Health series, where we’re highlighting the six impressive young people chosen as our Youth Advisors for the 2024 Behavioral Health Tech Conference. In this article, we spoke with Anika Nayak, Youth Advisor for BHT, and Mitchell Kabenda, behavioral health counselor and computer engineering student, about digital health equity.  

Can technology play a role in addressing health disparities? For Anika Nayak and Mitchell Kabenda, who both have impressive education and real-world experience in the crossover between public health and technology, the answer is simple: absolutely. Identify health equity gaps. Solve problems with solutions grounded in technology. And help everyone reach their best possible health. 

But in the real world, digital health equity isn’t quite that easy.

“It’s not just about launching new technology,” says Mitchell Kabenda, behavioral health counselor and computer engineering student. “It’s about making sure these tools are affordable, easy to use, and built to serve the unique needs of marginalized communities.” 

Data privacy, ethical development, and clinical validation are just a few of the considerations around digital solutions that could help bridge health equity gaps. Below, Mitchell and Anika share their expertise and opinions on technology’s role in health equity advancements and where we go from here. 

Why Is Health Equity Important?

Anika Nayak, Youth Advisor for BHT, defines health equity as meeting people where they are to make sure they reach their greatest health potential.

“Health equity involves removing any barriers that prevent people from living their healthiest lives,” she explains. Inadequate access to healthcare can have major consequences for patients, per McKinsey — but when everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their best possible health, individuals and populations can flourish. 

“From my experience in the Global Health program at the University of Iowa (‘21), I’ve learned that [health equity] involves tackling the root causes of health disparities, like socioeconomic challenges,” says Mitchell. “For example, lower-income individuals often face barriers to accessing vital resources such as healthcare, nutritious food, and stable housing, which leads to poorer health outcomes. These systemic issues prevent people from maintaining good health, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Health equity aims to address and correct these imbalances.”

There are numerous factors that influence a person’s health. In Mitchell’s work as an inpatient behavioral health counselor, she sees firsthand how healthcare is something that begins long before an individual ever steps foot inside a hospital.

“Issues like food deserts, limited mental health services, and a lack of culturally sensitive communication all play a role in whether someone can live a healthy life.”

Equitable access helps prevent avoidable health issues and improve health and quality of life for everyone.

What Is Digital Health Equity?

Digital health equity ensures tech-based health solutions are accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. Both technology and innovation come into play to meet the unique care needs of diverse communities. Since many marginalized communities lack internet access or digital literacy, digital health products must be accessible and affordable so underserved communities can benefit. 

Examples of Health Disparities

An article published in Public Health Reports® defines health disparities as a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with economic, social, or environmental disadvantage — in other words, gaps in our progress toward health equity. Mitchell and Anika discuss the following examples of disparities:

• Financial barriers. “There may be financial barriers to accessing care, especially among people who are uninsured,” Anika says.
• Sexual health. Mitchell explains that underserved regions often have less access to sexual health education and services, “leading to higher STI rates and teenage pregnancies.”
• Dental health. Low-income areas tend to lack access to dental care, too. Young children from low-income households have three times as many cavities as children from higher-income households. 
• Mental health. Mental health disparities are especially prevalent in rural areas, low-income communities, and communities of color. “Oftentimes, they may live in mental health care deserts, where the nearest mental health care facility is far away from them,” says Anika.
• Maternal health. “Maternal health disparities, especially for women of color and those in low-income [communities], show how unequal access to quality healthcare can put them at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications,” Mitchell says. For example, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women in the U.S.
• Nutrition. Cultural relevance in nutrition guidelines is often overlooked, leaving a need for dietary guidelines tailored to specific communities. “For example, as individuals of African descent, it would be valuable to have food plates or pyramids that reflect our unique dietary preferences,” Mitchell suggests.

It’s also important to note the additional, unseen barriers that exist. According to Anika, stigma remains one of the greatest obstacles to mental health care today “due to the different cultural perceptions about mental illness and wellbeing that exist.” And Mitchell points out other systemic barriers that limit upward mobility. 

“Lack of education and job opportunities often result in fewer financial resources. As a result, communities facing these challenges struggle more to access proper healthcare.”

Bridging the Gap: Going Digital

Digital solutions and technologies can play a key role in closing healthcare gaps — especially by improving access to care for underserved communities. 

“Digital solutions and technologies can be uniquely tailored to meet the diverse needs of marginalized communities, so they should be encouraged when it comes to mental health care,” says Anika.

What could this look like? “Research shows that telemedicine has been very effective in improving healthcare access for underserved groups, including rural and marginalized communities, especially for mental health services,” Mitchell explains. According to the American Telemedicine Association, places like schools, prisons, and rural hospitals often face barriers to traditional healthcare. Telehealth services can reach where physician practices cannot.

Another example of addressing health disparities with digital solutions could be through mobile apps.

“We can create mental health apps that provide promising interventions 24/7 to youth struggling with their mental health, in a way that is accessible and easy to understand,” Anika suggests.

She also points out that closing the gap in digital access creates enormous potential in advancing economic progress, creating jobs and other opportunities in local communities.

Considerations For Implementing Digital Health Equity Solutions

As digital health technologies continue to expand and evolve, the potential for digital health equity solutions grows broader and more exciting. But in Mitchell’s words, all that glitters isn’t gold.

“As someone gaining a deeper understanding of digital health, its opportunities, and its constraints, I believe the most important focus should be developing solutions with long-term sustainability in mind. Yes, technology is attractive, and it’s revolutionizing industries — including healthcare. But without focusing on sustainability, these innovations may not have the lasting impact they’re intended to.”

Anika and Mitchell provide the following pieces of advice to organizations and individuals who are seeking to develop sustainable, effective digital health equity solutions. 

Consider Data Privacy

Data privacy is a significant concern when it comes to digital health products, services, and solutions. Protecting personal and health information is key to maintaining user trust. Without strong, effective security measures that are clearly communicated, people will be hesitant to use digital health tools.  

Prioritize Ethical Development

In this area, creating products for profit isn’t enough. Those products or services must address real healthcare needs. Digital health tools should be created with ethics in mind, ensuring they genuinely help patients without exploiting vulnerable populations. 

Give People A Voice

The best way to make certain you’re meeting patient needs, Anika says, is by simply talking to those patients. “Bring historically disenfranchised voices to the forefront. Make sure you ask people what solutions they want before implementing it into their communities.”

She also encourages companies to prioritize the voices of young people. As the next generation of leaders, Gen Z deserves a seat at the table. 

Don’t Skimp on Research

“Many digital health products still lack clinical validation, which raises concerns,” Mitchell says. “It’s essential that these tools are supported by strong research to prove their effectiveness and safety before they’re widely adopted.”

Design for Longevity

Finally, digital health tools need to be reliable and functional over time — “especially in areas with poor infrastructure, like limited internet or inconsistent electricity,” says Mitchell. If they can’t work in these conditions, they won’t have a lasting impact where needed most.

Moving Forward With Digital Health Equity

Digital health holds major potential to help close health equity gaps, especially as it gives more people access to healthcare resources that were once out of reach. This progress is exciting! But leaders like Mitchell and Anika also recognize the importance of solutions that are sustainable, ethical, and backed by research that proves their effectiveness. 

“Moving forward, it’s important to consider not just the ethical side, but also the overall impact and effectiveness of these innovations, making sure they truly help the people who need them most,” Mitchell says.

Digital health equity is a marathon, not a sprint. And Mitchell Kabenda and Anika Nayak are at the starting line with their shoes laced up, ready to contribute their valuable knowledge, skills, and expertise to broaden health access for all.