This week is Health IT Innovation week in Washington, DC—and the events exceeded my expectations in every realm.  The Health Data Initiative Forum III sponsored the Health Datapalooza on Tuesday/Wednesday—a sold out event that hosted an expo of 100 innovative new health IT companies, provided standing room only panel presentations and included presentations by multiple keynote leaders in this enthusiastic movement for health IT.

Perhaps the title “Rock Stars of Health Innovation” seems a bit dramatic—but this time it is a literal!  The “Rock Star” lineup began with a real one—Jon Bon Jovi—only there was no guitar in site.  His passion and talent goes far beyond singing—his credentials for the event included: Chairman, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation; Member of the White House Council for Community Solutions; and Project REACH Challenge Partner.  “REACH” stands for Realtime Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless.  Bon Jovi spoke to a spell-bound crowd how he and his wife uncovered a situation of homelessness, wanted to make a difference and “bumped into”  Aneesh Chopra,  the charismatic (and first) Chief Technology Officer n his way to the restroom at an event—and asked him for help in connected the homeless to facilities.  In characteristically warp speed fashion of this group, they launched the Project REACH Initiative.  I will continue with more stories on this week, as every attendee and presenter had a story of how health IT was helping one person make a difference—and you don’t have to be a rock star to do it!