Breaking Down the Digital Divide During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Alhambra, CA, June 15, 2020 – In partnership with T-Mobile and Blue Marble Health, the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is encouraging its older adult public housing residents to stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic, while following the Los Angeles County’s Safer at Home Order. T-Mobile donated 200 Android LG Aristo phones and Blue Marble Health provided access to their health app, which includes in-home workouts.

“While it’s important to maintain physical distance during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraging all of our residents, especially seniors, to stay active. However, that’s difficult when there’s a barrier to access the technology to do so,” Emilio Salas, LACDA Acting Executive Director, said. “This partnership helps to break down that barrier so our residents can stay active and healthy – both physically and mentally.”

This program is currently offered to residents at Harbor Hills and South Bay Gardens public housing communities and may be expanded to other residents in the future. So far, 30 residents received the free phone with instructions on how to access the Blue Marble Health app.

For more information about how the LACDA is operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit lacda.org/coronavirus-update. All media may contact Elisa Vásquez, Public Information Officer, at (626) 586-1762.