AI For Good: Beyond Efficiencies Into Education, Economy And Health

Jennifer Sanders, Forbes Business Council, July 16, 2025

These days, AI is everywhere. It's popping up in our business operations, social media and even government. In fact, AI is projected to contribute nearly $20 trillion to the global economy through 2030, and the race to capture that reality is on.

But while it's easy to focus on the ways AI makes our lives more convenient—like finishing that annual report or deciding which TV show to binge next—there’s a bigger question: Can AI be a force for good in accessing services for those often left behind—and for the professionals who serve them? And, are we using it the right way?

When we look at the technology through this lens, we can start to see the full picture of what AI can be. It has an important role to play in healthcare, education, mental health and public services—and in easing some of the strain on the professionals providing these services, whether teachers, doctors or public servants.

Healthcare Access

Affordable, quality healthcare remains a major challenge in many communities due to a lack of access and high costs. In fact, in Dallas County, where my organization is based, there is more than a 20-year difference in life expectancy between ZIP codes with varying socioeconomic levels, according to a 2019 study by UT Southwestern Medical Center.

With AI, and natural language processing (NLP) in particular, I believe we have an opportunity to help address these disparities in meaningful ways. For instance, NLP-powered tools can translate medical information in real time, making it easier for non-English-speaking patients to communicate with their healthcare providers.

But that’s only the beginning. Some companies are taking things a step further with their applications of AI. Hippocratic AI, for example, developed an agentic AI tool that helps with managing non-diagnostic medical tasks, like reviewing medication instructions and answering patients' questions. Another example is SilverStone Health. With unique challenges in treating aging populations, SilverStone's integrated model—which includes home health, palliative care and hospice—uses AI to help ensure a smooth transition between different levels of care.

In areas where patient loads are increasingly limiting, I believe AI can be used to help support more patients accessing quality managed care with continued oversight by a human. Could organizations create tools that help create a healthcare system where access no longer limits the quality of care someone receives?

Education And Upskilling

Education has always been a key pathway to opportunity, and AI is transforming this by enabling more personalized and adaptive learning experiences. For example, AI-driven tools can make a meaningful difference for immigrant and refugee students, who often face challenges related to language proficiency and other factors. By offering individualized learning plans and real-time feedback, AI can help students progress at their own pace, regardless of their English proficiency.

Additionally, interactive AI-powered chatbots can provide intuitive supplemental lessons for students and help them catch up on lagging skills. Through tools that drive and shape exercise cadence, including the content itself and the manner in which lessons are communicated, students of all learning styles can receive the support they need, particularly in schools lacking dedicated staff to provide individual support.

This can not only support academic success but also foster technological literacy. In a job market that increasingly demands digital skills, preparing students early with these skills opens doors to future careers. In fact, in late May, the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released a draft framework for teaching AI literacy in schools.

Mental Health Access

With growing awareness around mental health, resources have expanded through teletherapy and more affordable options for care. AI-based solutions have the potential to provide even greater accessibility. Virtual therapy platforms and AI-driven diagnostic tools, for example, can make it easier for individuals to seek support without the stigma that is often associated with in-person therapy in some communities.

For example, Texas-based MyCHN offers a free AI-powered mental health app to uninsured, underinsured and low-income patients to expand access. The app provides confidential support and can help address the growing needs of vulnerable communities. This can act as a first step for individuals hesitant to seek traditional therapy.

Or, consider Eleos Health, which uses AI to streamline behavioral health workflows. This can help reduce documentation time so physicians can focus on engagement and care quality. In partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Eleos aims to expand access to AI-driven tools, education and research, the National Council said in a July 2024 press release announcing the partnership.

Public Services And Disaster Response

In times of public safety and disaster response, timely and clear communication is critical. Communities, particularly those in urban or environmentally vulnerable areas, can benefit from AI tools in disaster preparation and resource distribution. The tech can be used to predict and prepare for natural disasters, including wildfires, improving the speed and accuracy of emergency responses.

These tools can improve communication between communities and government, providing timely information on everything from safety alerts to city services. In situations where immediate, clear information is critical, AI can be used to help break down barriers and ensure citizens have access to essential resources.

The Advantage: Real-Time Communication And Understanding

As we continue to develop and deploy these technologies, it is essential for leaders developing AI solutions to prioritize inclusivity and ensure AI serves as a tool for good—one that can reach those who stand to benefit in a meaningful way. In my organization, for example, identifying the highest value intersection between AI's potential internal benefits—like time, resources and ability to scale—and external benefits—like shrinking access gaps that inhibit social and economic outcomes—are factors we consider in designing our programs in workforce, education and health.

Companies are already showcasing the diverse ways in which AI is being deployed to meet needs and help pave the way for a healthier, safer and educated society. With responsible use and community-focused innovation, I believe AI can become a force for social and economic progress across geography and economic resources.