Industry
Technology
Challenge
Desert Research Institute and Renown Health faced the urgent challenge of recruiting and educating volunteers for the Healthy Nevada Project in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional in-person engagement methods were hindered by physical distancing protocols, raising concerns about participant safety and limiting the ability to collect data, schedule appointments, and address questions regarding genetic studies. The need to maintain community enthusiasm and trust while minimizing human contact and optimizing operational efficiency was paramount.
Results
The adoption of AI avatars and digital consenting tools, most notably the introduction of DaNa, enabled a safe, engaging, and efficient volunteer recruitment process for the Healthy Nevada Project. This transition led to a dramatic rise in monthly volunteer sign-ups, a significant reduction in required staffing, and seamless adherence to health and safety protocols. Over six months, more than 50 volunteers per month were engaged, making the Healthy Nevada Project the largest community-based genetic health study of its kind and setting new standards for digital community engagement in healthcare.
Key Product
Product one
Renown Health
The Challenge
Nevada has historically struggled with poor health outcomes, a reality that spurred Renown Health and the Desert Research Institute to launch the Healthy Nevada Project—a statewide initiative aimed at transforming community health through large-scale genetic screening. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created additional hurdles; traditional face-to-face recruitment and education efforts were no longer viable due to necessary physical distancing and safety measures. The teams needed a way to inform, reassure, and guide potential volunteers through the genetic screening process without direct human contact, all while maintaining engagement and operational efficiency.
The Solution
To address these challenges, the organizations implemented an AI-powered digital
experience, featuring DaNa—an advanced digital personality designed to educate, answer frequently asked questions, and facilitate volunteer sign-ups in a touchless, interactive environment. The decision to leverage AI and digital avatars was driven by the need for a scalable, always-available solution that could deliver consistent messaging and support across multiple locations, even during periods of restricted in-person interaction. DaNa's integration enabled the Healthy Nevada Project to capture contact information, schedule appointments, and address participant concerns through a safe, engaging digital workflow.
The Results
The impact of the AI-powered approach was both immediate and far-reaching. Volunteer recruitment climbed to more than 50 sign-ups per month, an exceptional rate compared to traditional clinical trial methods. On-site staffing demands dropped significantly, while the digital experience upheld strict COVID-19 safety protocols without diminishing the quality of participant interactions. Over just six months, these improvements helped establish the Healthy Nevada Project as the largest community-based health study of its kind.
DaNa was initially deployed outside the Sierra Cafe at Renown Health Regional 
Medical Center. After multiple requests to bring her to other locations, she received a visual refresh—updated hair color, lipstick, and a new shirt—and was successfully relocated to Renown Lab Services in Los Altos. The success of this initiative underscored the power of humanized AI to accelerate health innovation, deepen community engagement, and set a new benchmark for volunteer recruitment in healthcare.
DaNa was even featured on the KTVN Channel 2 News Nevada! Click here to watch!!
