In 2014, a simple message — I ♥ Data — sparked a conversation about patient data rights that most people didn't know they had. A decade later, that message is more urgent than ever.
The I ♥ Data campaign began in 2014 at Ryan Health, where our founder was leading efforts to launch the patient portal, supported by Barbara Hood — CIO of Ryan Health at the time — and other leaders committed to patient engagement. Many patients at the time had never seen their own health records, didn't know what a patient portal was, and had little trust in digital health tools.
"I ♥ Data" began as a message of empowerment — to spark curiosity, start conversations, and help patients realize they had a right to see and understand their own data, and that data could be a tool for better care if they controlled it. At the same time, the campaign extended beyond patients. It focused on engaging providers and staff to strengthen data hygiene, quality, and standardization — reinforcing that the data being shared must be accurate, complete, and meaningful.
This work helped ensure that information flowing through systems was not only accessible, but also safe, usable, and appropriate for patients and other consumers in an increasingly interoperable ecosystem.
Today, that message is more urgent than ever. I ♥ Data is relaunching as a national movement to inform and educate the public about their rights, their power, and the tools they can use to take charge of their health data.
Behind every data rights campaign is a human story. Ours is personal — and it's why we believe this work is urgent, not optional.
Our board of directors is being seated and will be listed here shortly. Interested in serving? We are seeking individuals with expertise in healthcare, law, nonprofit governance, health equity, and communications. Reach out here.
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I ♥ Data is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating patients about their health data rights. The I ♥ Data campaign began in 2014 at Ryan Health in New York City. I ♥ Data was established as a nonprofit in 2025 and empowers patients to access, understand, and control their health information through plain-language guides, advocacy, and direct community engagement.
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