Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Advancing equity: The intersection of government, enterprise, and tech (WPS101)

Summary

Elizabeth Perez from the Washington State Department of Health and Betsy Baker from AWS discuss public-private partnerships and their role in addressing public health challenges.
They highlight the importance of equity in technology and service design, particularly in government programs.
The session covers the creation of the Vaccine Locator during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included a call center and chat box to assist diverse populations in finding vaccination sites.
The speakers emphasize the need for collaboration between government and private sectors to tackle complex social issues.
They discuss the success of the "Say Yes to COVID Test" program, which delivered 15 million tests to one out of every three families in Washington State.
The SNAP program, which allows people to order food online and have it delivered to their homes, was also highlighted as a success, with a significant increase in the use of SNAP dollars for healthy food purchases.
The session concludes with advice on how to engage in equity work, emphasizing the need to think big, understand the audience, align with organizational goals, and consider the human impact behind the data.

Public-private partnerships can be highly effective in addressing public health emergencies and ongoing social issues, leveraging the strengths of both sectors.
Equity in technology and service design is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind, especially in government assistance programs.
The pandemic has shifted the concept of equity from a buzzword to actionable initiatives, with grassroots efforts and private enterprises contributing to more equitable solutions.
The success of programs like the Vaccine Locator and "Say Yes to COVID Test" demonstrates the potential of technology to provide accessible and equitable services to diverse populations.
The SNAP program's adaptation to online ordering and home delivery illustrates how technology can reduce social stigma and improve access to essential services for underserved communities.
Engaging in equity work requires a strategic approach, including identifying the right partners, understanding the needs of the target audience, and ensuring that solutions are designed with input from those they are intended to serve.
The session underscores the importance of continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration to create impactful and sustainable solutions for complex social challenges.