The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is funding a new program designed to increase diversity in health tech through partnerships with multiple universities, including several in Greater Washington.
The department granted $8.7 million to the University of the District of Columbia and $10 million to Bowie State University, with the goal of preparing students from underrepresented backgrounds for a future career in public health, informatics and data science and to improve Covid-19 data collection.
UDC will lead a new D.C. consortium, called PHIT4DC, which also includes Howard University, the D.C. government, the D.C. Primary Care Association, telehealth services company Zane Networks LLC and Maryland’s health information exchange nonprofit Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients. The consortium’s members will develop curricula, recruit and train participants, and connect students with internships and job opportunities in public health agencies and nonprofits.
