UH Manoa
Research
Collaboration
The University of Hawai'i (UH) proudly announces it has received a $500,000 Phase II award from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) AIM AHEAD (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity) program. This competitive award, supporting the ARCH Collaborative: AI Resource Concierge for Healthcare at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), aligns with the recent Executive Order signed by President Joe Biden on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. The Executive Order, which explicitly cites the AIM AHEAD program, underscores the urgent need for ethical AI initiatives to enhance public health and reduce disparities, especially in underserved communities.
The ARCH program, led by Dr. Alex Stokes, builds on Phase I’s success in piloting AI resources for healthcare equity across Hawai'i and the Pacific Islands. With Phase II funding, ARCH will now expand its impact nationally, offering a concierge-style resource platform and customized AI tools to assist healthcare providers, researchers, and community organizations in overcoming barriers to AI adoption. ARCH’s mission reflects the White House’s vision by promoting responsible AI to improve diagnostics, bridge healthcare gaps, and support health equity nationwide.
Dr. Alex Stokes commented, “The ARCH Collaborative is dedicated to helping communities harness the power of AI to improve health. With Phase II funding, we can expand our tailored support to national stakeholders, deepening our commitment to ethically and equitably advancing healthcare through AI. This is a significant opportunity to build on the trust we have established and foster AI inclusivity across the country.”
Dean Sam Shomaker of JABSOM remarked, “Receiving Phase II funding underscores our institution’s dedication to innovation and equity in healthcare. The ARCH Collaborative’s pioneering efforts will provide all Hawai'i communities with vital resources, ensuring AI advancements are accessible and transformative.”
University of Hawai'i President David Lassner highlighted the broader impact of the award, stating, "Being awarded this competitive NIH funding for AIM AHEAD signifies another significant step forward for our University in fusing state-of-the-art technology with our distinctive healthcare imperatives. We are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing health outcomes for our highly diverse populace, with a focus on those in underserved areas.”
UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno emphasized the importance of the ARCH Collaborative’s mission: “ARCH is breaking new ground in integrating AI with health equity. Phase II funding will allow us to prepare Hawai'i’s healthcare system for future challenges, uniting advanced technology with culturally responsive healthcare solutions. This initiative epitomizes UH Mānoa’s role in driving forward-thinking research that directly benefits our communities.”
The ARCH initiative, in collaboration with Chaminade University and other community partners, will expand its AI/ML concierge model, supporting ongoing research and implementing new features to serve diverse AIM AHEAD stakeholders. Phase II funding reinforces JABSOM’s commitment to health equity and positions the ARCH Collaborative as a critical part of AIM AHEAD’s national impact.
With this new phase, the ARCH Collaborative is set to fulfill its mission of advancing AI accessibility for equitable healthcare solutions, bringing President Biden’s vision for responsible AI to life across Hawai'i and the nation.