emPath

emPath technologies, LLC.

emPath

emPath links addiction providers with community organizations to deliver low-barrier telemedicine to underserved people who use opioids.

Durham, NC, USA

USA

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

Rates of fatal drug overdose exceed half a million deaths per year worldwide. Opioid overdose rates are particularly high in the US, driven primarily by illicit fentanyl in the drug supply. While deaths are declining between 2023-2024 for the first time in years, an unacceptable 238 deaths continue to occur each day due to overdose in the US. Key subpopulations, including individuals who are unhoused, with low incomes, lack of insurance, criminal legal involvement, and/or racial/ethnic minority status represent a disproportionately high number of those deaths, including in Durham, North Carolina. While medications like Suboxone can significantly reduce opioid use and prevent deaths and other health complications from overdoses, only 1 in 5 people with opioid use disorder are estimated to be currently accessing treatment in the US. Several barriers to access exist, from geographic and transportation challenges limiting in-person attendance to clinics, to prior experiences with trauma, stigma, and criminalization of substance use which discourage people from accessing care at traditional clinics.

emPath is a digital health solution to pair vetted medical addiction treatment providers attuned to the unique challenges and goals of underserved people who use opioids, with trusted community-based organizations serving them through well-established high frequency touchpoints, to enable low barrier treatment with evidence-based medications including Suboxone via telemedicine. The platform prototype is being tailored to implement in partnership with community organizations throughout Durham, North Carolina providing a range of services to underserved people who use drugs who are currently under-engaged in medical treatment for their opioid use. Services support harm reduction (sterile syringes, drug testing kits) and other basic needs (showers, food, clothing, hygiene kits). The platform will be accessible at community organization drop-in sites and through devices like phones or tablets carried by outreach workers, who can connect with telemedicine providers during street rounds, home deliveries, and mobile vans where community services are delivered.

While recent shifts in US policy foster expanded access to evidence-based medical treatment of opioid use disorder for more and more people, with increasing availability via telemedicine apps like WorkIt, Bicycle Health, Boulder Care and other companies, the large proportion of individuals with drug use who do not own their own smartphone, have limited internet access, and face other intersecting social determinants, are still not accessing care. Lack of access to treatment deprives individuals of the chance to reduce or eliminate opioid use, secure housing opportunities, find employment, and lead longer, healthier lives. emPath is designed to serve people who use opioids currently being left behind in the traditional treatment paradigm by meeting them where they are. By lowering the barrier to access to a trained medical provider via telemedicine, this solution will bridge the access gap for the most medically underserved, partnering with community service organizations working at the front line who have established trusting and compassionate relationships with this marginalized population. This solution will leverage existing reimbursement opportunities across multiple payors, making it a sustainable and scalable solution for underserved people with drug use across North Carolina and the broader US.