CHESS Health Partners with West Virginia to Launch Statewide Recovery Support Platform
Evidence-based Connections app brings comprehensive recovery resources to providers and patients across the state
Rochester, NY – CHESS Health announced the statewide launch of its Connections recovery support platform in partnership with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Office of Drug Control Policy. This collaboration represents CHESS Health’s commitment to making comprehensive recovery resources accessible to public sector partners, healthcare providers, and health plans as part of cohesive, evidence-based recovery programs.
The Connections app deployment across West Virginia supports state-level initiatives that use technology to address the substance use disorder crisis. The platform provides continuity of care and peer support when traditional in-person treatment services face challenges.
Governor Jim Justice emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Over the past few years, we’ve made tremendous progress in our fight against the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. We’ve given people struggling with addiction real hope and access to opportunities like never before. But, as we’ve had to separate from each other to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it’s been really tough on those who may truly need the support of others to stay on a path toward recovery. We need to do everything in our power to keep helping these people move forward in their lives, not backward. That’s exactly what this app is going to allow us to do.”
The Connections platform offers recovery support features including secure group discussions, peer support networks, direct messaging with care teams, recovery progress tracking, and eTherapy programs. The platform maintains privacy protections, allowing users to participate anonymously while connecting with other West Virginians in recovery.
This West Virginia implementation aligns with CHESS Health’s approach of partnering with public sector organizations. The company’s platform has been implemented in multiple settings.
Bob Hansen, Executive Director of the DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy, noted, “This innovative tool is important in helping West Virginians reach their recovery goals. The Connections app will allow residents in recovery to stay connected with supportive peers and their care team when they can’t attend in-person treatment and AA meetings.”
Dr. James H. Berry, Chair of West Virginia University’s Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, added, “In the midst of a pandemic, it is vital that we quickly enable a strategy for individuals in SUD treatment to maintain the connection and support they desperately need for ongoing recovery. On behalf of treatment providers across the state, we appreciate the rapid response of Governor Justice and DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy in bringing this needed technology to West Virginians.”
The statewide deployment makes the Connections app available at no cost to West Virginia residents through their treatment providers, as well as to individuals in recovery who are no longer formally affiliated with a treatment program. This comprehensive access model reflects CHESS Health’s commitment to removing barriers to recovery support resources.
