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From the Ground Up: Community-Driven Innovation in Underserved Settings

Dr. Rashaad Bhyat, Senior Clinical Leader, Canada Health Infoway,
Dr. Dan Pepe, Family Physician, Digital Health Innovator, 2024/25 CIDH Grant Recipient, Self-Service Primary Care, London Lambeth Family Health Organization,
Dr. Ivar Mendez, Emeritus of Neurosurgery, Director of the Saskatchewan Virtual Health Hub, Director of the Virtual Care and Remote, University of Saskatchewan,
Dr. Salim Samanani, CEO and Medical Director, OKAKI Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, OKAKI and
Moderator: Edwin White Chacon, Manager, Enablement Services, Canada Health Infoway

Digital health innovation often emerges from research labs and policy tables, but some of the most impactful solutions begin at the community level, in response to real-world needs. Across Canada, clinicians, Indigenous leaders, health organizations, and local changemakers are designing and deploying digital tools that are improving care in rural, remote, and underserved settings. These efforts reflect a growing global movement toward more equitable, locally driven models of care. This session explores how community-driven innovation is advancing Connected Care and why equity, cultural relevance, and local leadership are essential for long-term success. We’ll spotlight real-world stories from across the country, including initiatives supported by Canada Health Infoway’s Connected Care Innovation Grant, delivered through the Centre for Clinical Innovation in Digital Health (CIDH). From EMS systems to Indigenous health centres, these projects demonstrate what’s possible when innovation is co-designed with communities, not just for them.

What You’ll Learn

  • How community-led digital health innovation is improving care in underserved settings
  • Why equity, cultural relevance, and local leadership are critical to digital health success
  • Insights from CIDH-supported Connected Care Innovation Grant projects
  • How grassroots innovation can shape broader system strategies  

More information and learning resources

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From your own workspace via Zoom,, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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