User Innovation and Generative AI in Public Health: Analyzing COVID-19 Data in Boone County, Missouri, with AI-Driven Prompts for Enhanced Community Safety.

This chapter dives into the transformative role of user innovation and generative AI in enhancing public health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on Boone County, Missouri. By integrating advanced AI analytics with proactive community engagement, it provides a nuanced examination of how demographic factors influence COVID-19 positivity rates and outcomes. This discussion underscores the utility of AI-driven tools in providing pivotal insights that guide public health strategies and interventions. Crucially, the chapter illustrates how end-users, by accessing and interpreting these insights, can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their communities. This engagement not only bolsters the responsiveness of public health measures but also empowers individuals with the knowledge to navigate the pandemic more safely and effectively. Moreover, the chapter confronts the technological, logistical, and ethical challenges of weaving AI into public health practices, proposing adaptive solutions and frameworks to cultivate user-driven innovation in managing health crises. The insights offered advocate for a collaborative model where user innovation and AI create a more inclusive and effective public health ecosystem, presenting a roadmap for leveraging technology to enhance community resilience in facing future pandemics.