Tagged: Open Innovation

Scientists in public health are typically portrayed in laboratory settings or laboriously crunching data on computers. But public health also finds answers in people as sources of data collection. Last year, the HHS Ignite Accelerator Program (Ignite) Summer 2019 Cohort provided six Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientists the opportunity to pursue happiness through laboratory science and integrated human centered design (HCD).

In November 2018, the HHS Office of the CTO launched its Lyme Innovation initiative to accelerate and co-create the next generation of Lyme disease solutions through public-private partnerships in collaboration with patients, practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and all stakeholders. So, where are we today?

Immunization registries have historically not been available to consumers. My office recognizes these challenges and is leading innovation for consumer immunization access across the country. To frame our work, we use Healthy People 2030 goals, which aim to improve immunization rates. Our Consumer Access project, led by Jim Daniel, directly relates to these goals.

A cohort of innovative, talented minds joined our office this summer. Five Civic Digital Fellows are working with the HHS Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) on projects using data, emerging technologies, UX, and innovation. Ed Simcox, Chief Technology Officer, is excited to have the fellows on board. He says “Our office is considered the front door to HHS for innovation, so having the Fellows join us is the perfect learning opportunity, as well as a great opportunity for HHS to learn from people outside government.”