Several of you have probably heard the term “Asthmapolis” thrown around by some of the more plugged-in tech and public health figures in town, so here’s the skinny on the code word: Louisville has landed an IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grant to collect data on the environmental causes of asthma, with the eventual aim of making the Derby City more breathable. That’s the double-secret project known as “Asthmapolis” — which isn’t going to be secret much longer. Here’s the signal flare Mayor Fischer’s office is sending up:

“Louisville Metro and IBM are requesting your support and participation in this worthy project. The IBM team will be conducting interviews, reviewing data, and meeting with key stakeholders in our community as part of their research. The more data, information and partners we can bring to the table, the better IBM can formulate a road map that is truly comprehensive and meets the needs of our community. A team of 6 people, working with leaders across sectors in Louisville, will be in town July 16-August 3, and you are invited to attend a kick-off session on Tuesday, July 17, 3 PM – 4 PM, at Mayor’s Gallery at Metro Hall, Fourth Floor, 527 West Jefferson Street. This will be a chance to hear about the project, meet the IBM team and understand what the team will be looking for in follow-up meetings. Please let Audrey Cotten, Audrey.Cotten@louisvilleky.gov, know whether you plan to attend.”

To translate that into geek-speak, IBM stat ninjas are looking for input on where to point the Big Data collectors to get the most relevant asthma-fighting sample set. If you’re a big data junky or a public health tech nerd with something to contribute, you want to be at this meeting. Go there, talk math, and help Louisville breathe easy.