Community Standards: How to Engage

The LymeX and TOPx HHS Tech Sprint for AI and Invisible Illness communities bring together patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, technologists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem-solvers to turn data into real-world solutions that improve the health and lives of the American people. The views expressed by participants do not necessarily reflect those of HHS, NIH, or the federal government.

Participants are expected to engage with respect, professionalism, openness, and a shared commitment to constructive collaboration guided by the following principles.

RESPECT: Everyone is valued We foster an environment that values lived experiences, disciplines, and perspectives. Constructive dialogue and differing viewpoints are encouraged, provided they are expressed with professionalism and courtesy. INNOVATION: Advancing better solutions Participants are encouraged to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and explore new approaches. The goal of TOPx is to accelerate meaningful, real-world solutions using open data, evidence, and collaboration. INTEGRITY: Grounded in truth and evidence We expect participants to engage honestly and responsibly, using data and evidence to inform ideas and discussions. Misrepresentation of data, manipulation of facts, or misleading claims are not permitted. EXCELLENCE: Data-driven and user-centered Solutions should prioritize rigor, usability, and real-world impact. We value approaches that incorporate lived experience, clinical insight, and high-quality data to drive meaningful outcomes. COMPASSION: Centering the patient experience This work is grounded in improving lives. Participants should approach all interactions with empathy, recognizing the real-world impact of invisible illness on patients, families, and communities. COLLABORATION: Co-creating in the open TOPx is built on open innovation. Participants are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines, share insights, and build on one another’s ideas to maximize public health impact. ACCOUNTABILITY: Responsible participation Participants are responsible for their contributions and must comply with all platform rules,

Challenge requirements, applicable laws and policies, and LymeX community standards. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and personal health information shared in compliance with applicable laws and policies is permitted. Any PII or personal health records shared in violation of applicable laws, policies, or platform rules may result in content removal and immediate account termination.

Legal and Participation Terms To ensure collective upholding of community standards, non-federal, third-party Moderators support Challenge operations. Moderators may remove content that includes unauthorized private information of others. Content moderation is limited to compliance with platform rules, applicable laws and policies, and participant safety protections. Participation in this Challenge does not create a clinician-patient relationship, and content shared on the platform does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, guidance, or instruction regarding any disease or health condition. Participants should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding personal medical decisions or health conditions. The views expressed by participants do not necessarily reflect those of the HHS, NIH, LymeX, the Federal CDO Council, or the federal government.