COVID-19 and Long COVID: 

Data-Driven Innovation to Bridge Disparities Exacerbated by the Pandemic


Continuing momentum from the Health+ Long COVID Report, COVID-19 At-Anywhere Diagnostics Design-a-Thon (innovation sprint), and the COVID-19 TOPx Tech Sprint, HHS open data fuels American innovation and entrepreneurship for the pandemic response and recovery. This pandemic has exposed and exacerbated health and social inequities and continues to impact us in new ways. It provides stark examples of enduring health disparities with disproportionate impacts falling to racial and ethnic minority populations. Our whole-of-government response must ensure an equitable recovery for everyone. Beyond government alone, our whole-of-society response, including this Health Equity DataJam, can help ensure an equitable response and recovery for all Americans. 

Use government data to build digital tools with, by, and for the people. 

How can we transform open data into actionable COVID-19 and Long COVID insights, digital tools, or other innovations to improve outcomes, ameliorate disparities, and improve quality of care and life? 
Potential ideas for exploration 
This challenge is intentionally broad. For example, potential products might focus on four areas. 
  • State and Local Solutions: Aid state and local public health authorities manage data, track trends, and understand the virus in populations and communities
  • Community Innovation: Provide resources to patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders outside of healthcare to help make key operational decisions related to COVID-19
  • Non-Laboratory Testing Data: Simplify how to track testing data from tests outside of lab settings such as in schools, nursing homes, at home, and in other non-lab-based settings for consumers and businesses
Curated datasets and resources 
Government links and information to help get started: 
…and many more on HealthData.gov and Data.gov 

Health Equity DataJam Homepage
DataJam Registration and FAQ Page
Social Determinants & Health Equity Resource Guide