OUR MISSION
To liberate reentry citizens from the constraints of opioid addiction
OpioidFree aims to combat opioid-related morbidity and mortality among recently released prisoners in an effort to fight the greater opioid epidemic in the United States.
We also aim to prevent social disadvantages in formerly incarcerated individuals such as homelessness, malnutrition, poor mental health, etc. by increasing accessibility to social programs.
Our Journey
OpioidFree was founded in the summer of 2022 by a group of determined students who wanted to address the social determinants of health. We recognized that the American healthcare system is under immense strain, and that recently released prisoners are 40 times more likely than the average person to die from an Opioid overdose within just two weeks of release, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health.
Inspiration
& Founding
We founded OpioidFree in the summer of 2022. As a team of ambitious students, we were determined to take action on the social determinants of health. We recognized the impact of the American healthcare system on incarcerated individuals and the lack of resources available to help them stay healthy and avoid relapsing into opioid addiction. We wanted to address this problem by creating a platform that would bridge the gap and help individuals transition into society more easily.
Development
& Outreach
As we developed the OpioidFree digital health platform, we began reaching out to communities to raise awareness of the services offered. Our platform is designed to connect individuals to resources, education, and practical support, and we recognize the importance of getting the word out about the platform to help as many people as possible.
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Our community outreach efforts include education initiatives, such as workshops and seminars, as well as online promotion and social media engagement. In addition, we have created care packages for recently released prisoners to help minimize the risk of relapse in the critical first two weeks post-release. We are also coordinating with other organizations with a similar mission to get all hands on deck with reentry citizens experiencing addiction.
Future Plans
Our long-term vision for OpioidFree is to become a leading digital health app, providing support and resources to individuals who are dealing with opioid addiction and related health issues. We are committed to customer discovery and will use feedback from users to improve the platform and make it as effective as possible. We plan to continue our community outreach efforts, including developing partnerships with organizations and health providers, to ensure that resources are easily accessible to those who need them.
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Additionally, we are exploring new initiatives, such as networking opportunities and peer support groups, to expand our reach and impact. By working together with other organizations, we can better support individuals in transitioning back into society and help reduce opioid-related health morbidity and mortality among newly released citizens.​
Meet the Founders
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet the OpioidFree founders - a group of passionate and determined individuals committed to improving the lives of those affected by opioid addiction. Our team values collaboration, empathy, innovation, and digital health.
Achievements
Top 10 Finalist
Diversity Innovation HUB competition finalist, 2022
Sponsored by the Northeast Regional Alliance (NERA) MedPrep Program; 30 teams participating
1st place
Diversity Innovation HUB competition, Summer 2022
From 30 teams participating
1st Place Winner
$10,000 Community Impact Award on Diversity Innovation Hub Pitch Day, 2022