As part of the ongoing commitment to tackling the complex challenges of opioid use disorder, the WVU Health Affairs Institute has announced the statewide deployment of the CHESS Health Companion app. 

Designed to empower families and other loved ones of individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, this initiative is supported by the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Behavioral Health, State Opioid Response grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The app features a digital community where families and others can connect, share experiences and learn from those facing similar challenges. In addition, the app offers a comprehensive library of educational content, virtual meetings, daily reflections and navigation to additional resources designed to support recovery.

West Virginia residents can sign up for the free Companion app at Help & Hope West Virginia. As the first state to deploy the Companion app, West Virginia will actively survey users to ensure the app meets their support needs.

Considering the urgent need for recovery resources, West Virginia has partnered with CHESS Health, an industry leader in digital health solutions for opioid use disorder, since 2020. This partnership led to the deployment of the Connections app shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, effectively addressing the heightened isolation and barriers to recovery support during that time.

Building on this foundation, CHESS Health worked closely with the WVU Health Affairs Institute to develop the Companion app, incorporating insights from physicians and clinicians across the state as key consultants. Importantly, this new app operates independently of the Connections app, ensuring the privacy and autonomy of both individuals in recovery and their support systems.

Recognizing the critical role that digital support plays in the recovery journey, Jonathan Young of the Health Affairs Institute emphasized the importance of providing resources for families.

“For every person with OUD and other addictions, multiple family members and others face their own emotional trauma,” Young said. “Knowledge about what addiction is and what treatment resources are available empowers people to help loved ones facing addiction. The Companion app will provide families and others with essential resources and support, addressing their needs during these challenging times.”

Mosaic Group, a nationally recognized consulting firm behind the West Virginia Families Strong program, provided valuable feedback and market insights that informed the app’s development. 

“Rolling out the CHESS Health Companion app statewide is a significant step forward in West Virginia’s strong commitment to support families affected by substance use,” said Marla Oros, founder and CEO of Mosaic Group. “We commend the West Virginia University Health Affairs Institute for its forward-leaning leadership in deploying this innovative and essential tool and are proud of the impact of our families strong model in West Virginia and in other communities nationwide. At Mosaic Group, we believe in empowering individuals and communities with solutions that are effective, accessible and compassionate.”

The Companion app exemplifies this approach.

“Recovery from OUD and other addictions is multi-faceted, and loved ones play a crucial role,” said CHESS Health CEO Hans Morefield. “This app will equip families and others with the information and help they need to stay strong and care for themselves during the recovery process.”

WVU Health Affairs Institute is a nonpartisan organization that provides expert services in progressive health data analytics, public impact research, and program implementation and evaluation in collaboration with government agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to inform the advancement of health at the local, state and national levels. 

CHESS Health partners with health care providers, community organizations, state and local governments, and health plans to amplify their impact by helping them reach and engage individuals at the moments that matter with evidence-based digital health solutions that span the entire lifecycle of opioid use disorder management — from prevention and intervention to treatment and recovery.