Winners named for Reducing Cancer Among Women of Color Challenge

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) named the winning health apps of the Reducing Cancer Among Women of Color Challenge on May 20. Women of color are disproportionately affected by breast and gynecologic cancers and the challenge is “a first-of-its-kind effort” to address these health disparities, according to the HHS press announcement.

The developers received a total of $100,000. Their apps, which include Big Yellow Star, Broadstone Technologies, Appbrahma, HW-Technology and Netzealous, link users to screening services and locations, support groups and care services. The apps incorporate different languages, and were developed to securely interface with patient health records and bolster communication across a patient’s care team for better care coordination, according to the press release.

“Through these innovative tools, we are addressing disparities by reaching women where they are – and taking an exciting step forward in implementing the HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities,” said HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health J. Nadine Gracia, MD, in a statement.

The Reducing Cancer among Women of Color Challenge stemmed from a partnership between HHS’ Office of Minority Health and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. Judges reviewed app submissions based on patient engagement, quality and accessibility of information, targeted and actionable information, links to online communities, innovativeness and usability and Non-English language availability.

More information on the winning apps is available here.