Crowdsourcing Ideas: The Innovating for Environmental Health App Challenge

It started with a little bit of research

What I learned 1) Data is multi-functional  information 2) Data should serve the public  inform actions 3) Data should encourage partnerships  implement solutions

An app challenge is…  an opportunity for individuals to develop desktop or mobile apps that fulfill a new function or perform an existing function better

Why an app challenge? 1) Promote open data use 2) Apply the CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network API 3) Crowdsourcing ideas

Making it happen  Challenge statement: Create an app that helps to achieve one of the environmental health objectives, as identified by the Department of Health and Human Services  Support from Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) and Hedgerow Software  Support from our local and national community Outdoor Air Quality Heathy Homes and Communities Infrastructure and Surveillance Global EH Water Quality Toxics and Waste

Challenge time  Devpost  March 7 – May 16  Webinar, discussion board, updates  Judging

Results  13 submissions  Involve crowdsourcing, community participation, education  Mostly for the general public, some specific to EH professionals

Congratulations Angela, Nicolas, and Diana!  An app that integrates alternative transportation, physical activity, and community-building to tackle air contamination and promote a healthy lifestyle