Greater Louisville Inc. joined representatives from the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, Louisville Metro Government, KIPDA, the University of Louisville, Metro United Way, and the Louisville Urban League to welcome Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Dennis Alvord, to Louisville.

The community partners make up the Kentucky Digital Health Tech & Artificial Intelligence Innovation Coalition, which aims to make Greater Louisville a national hub for digital healthcare by broadening the region’s artificial intelligence (AI) talent pipeline and supporting AI adoption in the healthcare sector.

As one of 60 finalists for the national Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the coalition works closely to align resources and competencies within the region to spur innovation. During the visit, each organization showcased how they support the work of the coalition and the health-related industry.

“It is alarming that more than 28% of jobs in the Louisville region are at high risk for automation and AI. The picture is worse for Black workers who face a 44% risk of current task automation. In addition, many healthcare companies currently rely on automated equipment and data analysis to support their efforts of providing care to patients,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of GLI. “We are optimistic for the opportunities the Build Back Better grant could bring to our community to increase diversity in digital health and get our workforce ready for the careers of the future.”

Winners of the grant are expected to be announced later this year.