Digital health technologies can be powerful tools to overcome current barriers to health care for many populations; however, many in the country still lack access to affordable, reliable, and adequate broadband that powers these tools. This gap has been acutely felt during the COVID-19 pandemic as so many aspects of every day life shifted to virtual interactions. eHI supports sustained federal investment in broadband infrastructure to ensure everyone can benefit from cutting-edge digital health tools to access high-quality health care.
In this briefing, the 30-minute discussion will focus on current federal efforts to support broadband infrastructure, including the state-of-play of current infrastructure legislation negotiations in Congress, the American Jobs Plan, and the FCC’s plan to deploy broadband funding allocated in previous COVID relief bills.
Speakers:
Jay Schwarz
Vice President, Global Public Policy
Comcast NBCUniversal
Jay A. Schwarz is Vice President – Global Public Policy at Comcast NBCUniversal where he focuses on broadband matters at the federal, state, and local levels. Previously he held roles at the Federal Communications Commission in the Chairman’s office, the Wireline Competition Bureau, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Strategic Planning. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh as well as degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Nirali Patel
Vice President, Global Public Policy
Comcast NBCUniversal
Nirali Patel is Vice President – Global Public Policy at Comcast NBCUniversal where she focuses on the development of the company’s policy positions on a range of issues, including broadband. Previously, she served in a variety of roles at the Federal Communications Commission, including in the Chairman’s Office and the Wireline Competition Bureau. Before joining the FCC, Nirali practiced communications law at Hogan Lovells and Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Catherine Pugh
Assistant Vice President, Policy
eHI
Most recently, Catherine served as Senior Director, Government Affairs at Horizon Government Affairs, where she managed the Health Innovation Alliance. HIA is a diverse coalition of patient advocates, healthcare providers, patient organizations, employers, technology companies, and payers who support the adoption and use of technology and data to increase access and lower costs in the health care system.
Prior to joining Horizon Government Affairs, Catherine managed federal policy initiatives and advocacy strategies for the Parkinson's Action Network. At PAN, Catherine also helped coordinate a national network of volunteer grassroots advocates working towards better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s.
Catherine holds a BA in International Studies with a focus in US Foreign Policy from American University.
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eHI hosts a monthly policy briefing on the third Tuesday of the month for members to learn from policymakers, staff, and health policy experts and discuss timely issues and their impact on health IT and digital health. To participate contact Catherine@ehidc.org.
