Health Professionals and Tech Entrepreneurs Collaborate to Combat Opioid Crisis in Western North Carolina

Health professionals and tech entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina are collaborating to combat the national opioid crisis. Opioid-related deaths in North Carolina have more than doubled in the past decade, with over 9,000 fatalities reported from 2020 to 2022, amounting to almost 12 deaths per day. MAHEC and four other organizations are working on innovative digital solutions to address addiction care. “Pitch Day” was held to showcase these ideas to potential investors for funding. The focus is on enhancing existing care accessibility and sustainability rather than introducing new solutions. This collaborative effort aims to improve addiction care and help turn the tide on the crisis.MAHEC aims to facilitate ongoing partnerships between physicians and businesses to develop practical solutions.