BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 13, 2023 – Acclinate, a digital health company specializing in accessing and engaging communities of color to make better informed health decisions, inclusive of participation in clinical trial research, will host an educational session about artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and healthcare for communities of color on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama.
The event, a part of an initiative called “Bridging the Gap,” is the sixth and final interactive community meeting for Miles College students who have been learning about the fundamentals of AI/ML, the potential capability of AI/ML to reduce health disparities, and opportunities for AI/ML to improve health outcomes based on the lived experiences of people of color. “Bridging the Gap” has also been educating seniors in the metro-Birmingham area on the same topics, and the series is set to wrap up in May for them.
“For too long, communities of color have been an afterthought in efforts to achieve better health outcomes through research and technology,” said Del Smith, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Acclinate. “We are here to make sure communities of color are included from the very beginning of discussions that can impact our health and empower our communities to make informed decisions about their health.”
Over the last two months, “Bridging the Gap” has reached over 265 Birmingham residents, ranging from college students to seniors. The meetings have been held at various locations of cultural importance, including Miles College, Emanuel Temple Church of God in Christ, and Fountain Heights Recreation Center.
In addition to offering AI/ML education and up to $600 in compensation for participants, “Bridging the Gap” provides a forum for people of color to share stories related to their health. To ensure that the benefits of “Bridging the Gap” extend beyond the educational community meet-ups, Acclinate has been highlighting other ways Birmingham residents can “B-INCLUDED.” B-INCLUDED is a platform that connects people with a community of local residents with similar backgrounds and interest in health-related topics. B-INCLUDED addresses healthcare needs, as well as educational, employment, and financial gaps, so that metro-Birmingham area residents can work towards improved health.
Acclinate will take learnings from “Bridging the Gap” in Birmingham to expand the initiative nationally and continue advancing health equity.
To learn more about B-INCLUDED, b-included.com.
