The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) has received $500,000 from the National Institutes of Health to support ethical AI development in public health and to reduce healthcare disparities, especially in underserved communities.
Led by Alex Stokes, the ARCH Collaborative (AI Resource Concierge for Healthcare) at JABSOM builds on Phase I’s success, which piloted AI tools for healthcare equity in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands. With Phase II funding from NIH’s AIM AHEAD program (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity), the program will expand its online platform that provides specialized AI resources to help healthcare providers, researchers and community organizations overcome barriers to adopting AI.
Related UH News story: UH to use AI to advance health equity with $500K grant, November 9, 2023
“The ARCH Collaborative is dedicated to helping communities harness the power of AI to improve health,” Stokes said. “With Phase II funding, we can extend our tailored support to national stakeholders, deepening our commitment to advancing healthcare ethically and equitably through AI.”
The funding reinforces JABSOM’s commitment to health equity and positions the ARCH Collaborative as a critical player in AIM AHEAD’s national efforts to make AI accessible for equitable healthcare across the U.S.
“Receiving Phase II funding underscores our institution’s dedication to innovation and equity in healthcare,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “The ARCH Collaborative’s pioneering efforts will provide vital resources for all Hawaiʻi communities, ensuring that AI advancements are accessible and transformative.”
UH President David Lassner highlighted the broader impact of the funding. “Being awarded this competitive NIH funding for AIM AHEAD signifies another important step forward for our university, fusing state-of-the-art technology with our unique healthcare imperatives,” Lassner said. “We remain committed to enhancing health outcomes for our highly diverse population, with a special focus on underserved areas.”
In collaboration with Chaminade University and other community organizations, the ARCH Collaborative will expand its AI/ML concierge model to support AIM AHEAD stakeholders with new research tools and resources. This initiative aligns with President Joe Biden’s recent executive order promoting ethical AI use in public health.
