Transforming Health Equity with AI and Data

The November edition of IndyPy, AI and Data for Good: Bridging Gaps in Health and Human Services, showcased technology’s potential to create meaningful change. Developers, data scientists, and tech leaders gathered both in person and online to learn how Python, AI, and open data can transform the way resources are distributed and health equity is addressed.

The evening’s lineup featured two talks: Amrutha Pulikottil of Equatable and Zach Cardwell of Data317. Each presenter offered insights into how real-world data, when harnessed effectively, can bridge systemic gaps and improve lives.

Place Matters, Policy Matters

Amrutha Pulikottil, founder and Chief Data Scientist at Equatable, guided the audience through the connection between place and health outcomes. She showcased how data science can uncover hidden disparities and drive policy change. ‍

Drawing on her work for the Virginia Department of Health, Amrutha shared key insights:

• ‍The Power of Place-Based Analytics: By analyzing neighborhood-level data — from infrastructure and grocery store access to healthcare availability — data scientists can pinpoint the factors contributing to health inequities.‍
• Real-World Impact: Amrutha walked attendees through how Python-powered geospatial tools helped Virginia prioritize COVID-19 vaccine distribution for underserved communities.‍
• Actionable Insights: Whether it’s connecting patients to the right providers, reducing hospital readmissions, or improving preventative care, Amrutha showed how data can drive practical, life-saving solutions.

“Your zip code often determines your health more than your genetic code,” Amrutha emphasized, leaving the audience with a clear message: where you live matters. With the right data, governments and organizations can make smarter, more targeted investments.

Mapping the Need (AI for Good!)

Zach Cardwell, CEO of Data317, shifted the focus to the untapped power of open federal data and its role in addressing community needs. ‍

Zach shared the immense potential of the American Community Survey (ACS) dataset:

• ‍The Power of Open Data: The ACS, maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau, offers 30,000+ variables on everything from income levels to commuting patterns — all freely available to the public.‍
• Practical Nonprofit Applications: Zach demonstrated how Python tools can transform ACS data into actionable insights. From identifying food deserts to optimizing resource distribution, these tools empower nonprofits to better serve their communities.‍
• Tech for Impact: With geospatial analysis, clustering algorithms, and network graphs, Zach revealed a framework for turning data into impactful, targeted decisions.

Zach’s call to action was simple but clear: “You don’t need a huge budget to make a huge difference. The tools are free. The data is free. All you need is creativity and a willingness to dive in.”

Watch the Presentations

Whether mapping health disparities or optimizing food distribution, you have the power use technology to drive meaningful change. IndyPy is where Pythonistas, developers, and tech leaders connect to share knowledge and tackle real-world challenges. RSVP for future IndyPy events on Meetup.