1) WHAT IS ALMA FIRST?

Alma First is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing digital health equity. We bridge the digital divide in healthcare by helping underserved communities access technology, navigate digital health tools, and receive culturally competent care.

2) WHO DOES ALMA FIRST SERVE?

We are based in California and primarily serve under-resourced communities in areas like South L.A., East L.A., and the Central Valley. We help individuals who face barriers to healthcare access, including limited digital literacy, a lack of technology, or language obstacles.

3) HOW DOES ALMA FIRST SUPPORT COMMUNITIES?

We host health fairs and community events, while partnering with other organizations to distribute resources such as laptops and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). More importantly, our fellows guide patients step-by-step through digital navigation, using tools like patient portals and telemedicine, ensuring technology leads to better care.

4) AS A PATIENT, DO I NEED TO HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH TECHNOLOGY TO BENEFIT FROM ALMA FIRST?

Not at all! Our team specializes in digital navigation. Whether it’s your first time setting up a patient portal or you simply need help resetting a password, we’re here to walk you through every step.

5) AS A VOLUNTEER, DO I NEED TO HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH TECHNOLOGY TO HELP THE COMMUNITY?

It’s helpful, but certainly not a requirement! At Alma First, we provide a curriculum with capstone projects and helpful resources so you can learn about digital health equity prior to engaging with the community.

6) HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH ALMA FIRST?

You can support our mission by: volunteering at health fairs, donating to expand access to technology, and partnering with us to bring your digital health tools to the communities we serve. Reach out to us on our Contact Us page if you are interested.

7) DOES ALMA FIRST ONLY WORK WITH THE LATINX COMMUNITIES?

While we center our work on Latinx and Spanish-speaking patients, our program is designed to benefit all underserved populations. Digital health equity is universal, and we are committed to ensuring no community is left behind.

8) HOW IS ALMA FIRST FUNDED?

Through your help! Alma First is a nonprofit organization funded through donations and partnerships. Every contribution helps us expand our reach and continue providing free, hands-on digital health support to families who need it most. If you would like to make a donation, please contact us HERE.

9) HOW DOES ALMA FIRST MAKE SURE ITS PROGRAM IS CULTURALLY RELEVANT?

We design all of our outreach with community voices at the center. This includes offering bilingual resources, hiring team members who share lived experiences with the communities we serve, and using real-time feedback from families to shape our programs. Our goal is to ensure technology feels approachable, respectful, and tailored to diverse cultural contexts.