Jameson Mehaffey

Jameson Mehaffey is a second-year Data Analytics student at The Ohio State University, originally from Round Hill, Virginia. His interest in data began on the back of baseball cards — hours spent studying career statistics until he had them memorized season by season. When a professional playing career didn't pan out, the numbers stuck, and sports analytics became the new goal.

Alongside that has always been an instinct to help the people around him, whether by listening, problem-solving, or offering a well-timed distraction. In high school, he served on the board of We're All Human, a mental health awareness club, where he helped peers recognize the resources and healthy choices available to them during difficult stretches.

At Data 4 The People, Jameson has found a way to bring those two interests together. His first project is examining the treatment gap between the estimated population living with substance use disorder and the number of outpatient mental health workers available to serve them. He plans to continue contributing to the organization's mental health coverage, using data storytelling and clear, compelling visualizations to make the numbers land.