MATERNAL HEALTH HACKATHON
OCT 16 - OCT 22
St. Catherine University is a generous sponsor of this event through funding from the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health.
We invite you to join us this October to address and build solutions for maternal health amongst Black birthing people in the United States.
WHAT IS A HACKATHON?
A hackathon is a rapid innovation process aimed at developing projects, prototypes and blueprints to address a particular challenge. The Maternal Health Hackathon is an experience to empower intergenerational teams of practitioners, faculty, students and birthing advocates to generate innovations for reproductive justice.
In particular, we will focus on the maternal health rate among Black birthing people in the United States. This is a means to connect with other community members to participate in creative problem solving around a systemic and institutional issue impacting our society.
WHY MATERNAL HEALTH?
Black people are three times more likely to pass away from pregnancy related complications than White people (this includes before, during and after pregnancy). These deaths are almost always preventable and are a result of healthcare providers misdiagnosing the symptoms birthing people experience, in particular Black, Indigenous and people of color.
Within this context, what does reproductive justice look like? And how can we center holistic perspectives and traditions in the birthing process?
WHO’S INVITED?
We invite developers, innovators, designers, researchers, health majors, students, sociologists, women’s health practitioners, birthing and reproductive justice advocates, etc.
Hack the Gap is for women identifying and non-binary people. We use an inclusive definition of women.
Not sure if this event is for you? Get in touch with us.
SCHEDULE
KICK OFF + WORKING SESSION [Virtual]
Saturday, OCTOBER 16 - 10:00AM - 11:30AM CST (Kick Off)
Saturday, OCTOBER 16 - 11:30AM - 1:00PM CST (Working Session)
WORKING SESSION [Virtual]
Sunday, OCTOBER 17 - 10:00AM - 1:00PM CST
DEMO DAY [Virtual]
Friday, OCTOBER 22 - 12:00PM CST
BECOME A MENTOR
Not able to participate but want to engage in this hackathon? Sign up as a mentor to guide teams and participants thinking through their projects and ideas.
FAQ
Q: What are the expectations as a participant?
A: You must attend the Kick-Off on 10/16 and Demo Day on 10/22. You and your team will build a tech solution that addresses maternal health for Black birthing people (or other birthing people of color).
Q: Are there prizes?
A: Yes! Cash prizes will be divided equally amongst your team. First place will receive $1000, second place will receive $500 and third place will receive $250.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Hack the Gap’s hackathons are for women and non-binary people. We use an inclusive definition of “women.” You don’t need tech experience to participate - all levels of experience are welcome!
Q: What are some examples of projects?
A: We’re looking for innovative projects that can be used in real life. Here are some examples:
An app that matches expecting birthing people with culturally competent providers
Affordable/free tele-health options for rural and Indigenous pregnant people
Doula and midwife digital matching service
Resource matching for expecting and new parents (i.e. free and reduced pre-natal vitamins, baby supplies, birthing classes, support groups, etc.)
Post-partum bot check-in
Creating a reddit-type network that connects new and seasoned parents on topics related to race, birthing, healthcare, child development, etc.
Q: What if I don’t have a team?
A: We will help assign participants to a team if they register as an individual.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATION
This illustration was created by Leeya Rose in honor of Hack the Gap’s ongoing investment in Black maternal health in the United States. We are inspired by the role that technology, innovation and collaboration can play in solving the issues around us, particularly when it comes to reproductive justice.
Since Hack the Gap is a space that serves women identifying and non-binary people, reproductive rights and justice are particularly important to our community. This hackathon is an opportunity to combine our tech experience with our real world challenges.
To learn more about Leeya Rose’s work, please visit her website: https://leeyaroseart.com/
