In September, we reported that 12 organizations won $200,000 as part of the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge. One of those winners, APPORTIS, is a 3-year-old, Columbus-based startup that develops technological solutions, events and information "that help people get healthier," spoke to Cincy Inno about its work to tackle the opioid crisis.
This specific focus wasn't always the chief priority of the company. Yet upon her hiring, Chief Technology Officer Andee Peabody was able to convince CEO Philip Payne (of no relation to the writer) to re-prioritize APPORTIS's platform. Putting the opioid crisis at the forefront would be a way to better serve the community, she argued.
“We think can make a big impact."
One way to do that was engaging with the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge. For the uninitiated, the challenge was announced last year as part of Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s plan to help combat the opioid crisis. Established by Ohio Third Frontier, it's a "three-phase, prize-based competition to find technology-based solutions that address or improve opioid abuse prevention, treatment and overdose avoidance and response.”
The challenge wrapped up its second phase with its 12 winners, and will begin the next and final phase, which involves bringing a product to market. The final phase ends in July 2019, and later in the year four winners will receive a $1 million prize.
APPORTIS's entry to the second portion of the challenge was a platform that will be used mainly as an app. It allows users to get help in-between face-to-face meetings with health care professionals, as well as other resources.
“Our solution is a big red button for [addicts],” Payne explained. “At 3 o’clock in the morning when they’re freaking out, or they're having an issue or stressing, they can hit the big red button and get instant access to a certified counselor.”
If users don’t have access to smartphone or tablet technology, the platform will be available at kiosks in doctors' offices and hospitals, and other places where addiction is treated.
This work is similar to other platforms that APPORTIS has developed in the past, typically for clients with a more corporate focus. For example, its "Health and Wellness" platform helps employees via tutorials, coaching and motivation to help them take better care of their health.
“We think can make a big impact,” Payne said.
