The Hack the Health Gap Innovation Hackathon is a six-month collaboration between the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI) and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS). The program connects students with real-world challenges from community health centers (CHCs) across Massachusetts, empowering them to co-design creative, testable and scalable solutions that improve care delivery, operations and patient experience.

By leveraging cross-disciplinary mentorship, community informed problem statements and structured pitch opportunities, the hackathon builds capacity for the next generation of digital health leaders while delivering tangible impact for Massachusetts’ safety net providers.

Key Program Elements

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Real-World Challenges

Innovation needs are sourced directly from local community health centers.

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Student Innovation

MCPHS students develop solutions through team-based projects.

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Expert Mentorship

Leaders from digital health, clinical practice, operations and business guide students across four themed sessions.

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Pitch Event

Saturday, April 11, 2026 at MCPHS student teams will present to judges from CHCs, academia and the healthtech ecosystem.

Hack the Health Gap Timeline

Challenge Themes

  1. Digital Health Tools & Technology - solutions that expand access and engagement
  2. Clinical Considerations - tools to support providers and improve workflows
  3. Operational Innovation - reducing admin burden, supporting staff satisfaction
  4. Business Strategy & Sustainability - building scalable, equitable and secure solutions

Partners & Leadership

  • Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI)
  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)
  • Program Leads: Dr. Michael Spooner & Dr. Keri Griffin, MCPHS
  • MeHI Lead: Haven Nichols

Outcomes & Impact

  • Strengthen CHC innovation capacity
  • Hands-on student experience in digital health
  • Pilot-ready solutions for underserved communities
  • Expanded collaboration between academia, providers and state innovation leaders

Contact Info: Nichols@masstech.org | CRD@mcphs.edu

MeHI | MCPHS | Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers