CHESS Health

06/17/2026

The access gap in rural OUD treatment isn’t just a statistic - it’s a cost driver and a care failure.

While 74% of rural counties have a high need for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, the same percentage lack sufficient capacity to prescribe buprenorphine.

For MCOs serving rural Medicaid populations, that gap shows up where it matters most:
➡️ Higher emergency utilization
➡️ Poorer member outcomes

So where are solutions actually working?

Our latest white paper explores:
✅ Where Medicaid SUD costs are truly concentrated
✅ How digital care models are extending reach beyond brick-and-mortar limitations
✅ What policy levers are helping close the access gap

If you're focused on improving outcomes while managing cost in Medicaid populations, this is a conversation worth having.

The true cost of untreated SUD — quantified by sector. Download CHESS Health's multi-sector financial analysis and the case for investment.

06/16/2026

The countdown to the National Opioid Settlement Conference has begun! Join us at the CHESS Health table to discover digital tools that help engage more people, streamline coordination, and deliver results across care, payment, and community systems.

06/16/2026

“Video games and online gambling hit that same spot of that dopamine reward system in individuals’ brains, especially with younger individuals who are highly impulsive and risk taking.”

Some experts say there’s growing evidence that gambling addiction is tearing apart Pennsylvania families faster than any of the existing efforts can help them.

06/11/2026

“Whenever they need us, we’re here.”

Caron Treatment Centers is using digital tools to meet people where they are, from youth prevention and intervention to long-term recovery support.

Results include:
• 2,700+ youth screenings completed
• 6,300+ interventions conducted
• 55% sustained recovery engagement

Explore Caron Treatment Centers' success story in supporting new clients with digital assessment and referral solutions.

06/10/2026

"The findings show mortality risk from alcohol of 1 in 25 for people who consumed an average of 14 drinks per week. In contrast, drinking up to 7 drinks per week was associated with only minimally elevated risks for most conditions."

Moderate levels of consumption showed increase risk of premature death and disability, and no protective effect of drinking was observed, even at low levels.

06/09/2026

Last chance to register 🗓️

Tomorrow, June 10th at 1 p.m. EST we will be hosting a free webinar - Closing the Recovery Engagement Gap: How Digital Tools Can Help Reduce Readmissions, Reach Underserved Populations, and Cut the Cost of SUD

As jurisdictions continue to address the rising behavioral health needs (including recent surges of AUD and problem gambling), we've seen first hand how recovery support tools play a meaningful role in reducing readmissions, increasing engagement after treatment, extending access to care in rural and underserved communities, and supporting individuals beyond traditional episodes of care.

At our upcoming webinar, CHESS Health CEO Hans Morefield and Senior Director of Recovery Services Bridget Crumley will show you how health plans, states, counties, and tribes have deployed these tools to reach and retain their most vulnerable populations, and what the outcomes data shows.

SUD costs spike when people disengage. Learn how health plans and public agencies use digital tools to sustain recovery at scale.

06/08/2026

We’re thrilled to be recognized for the impact we’re making - Connections was named “Best Mental Health App” at the 10th annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards.

CHESS Health wins Best Mental Health App for Connections — peer-powered SUD recovery support built for providers.

06/04/2026

“Veterans face a 35% higher su***de rate in the 12 months after separation of active military service.”

Advocates say proposals would bolster existing programs and call for barriers to prevent su***de attempts.

06/03/2026

Upcoming Webinar: Closing the Recovery Engagement Gap: How Digital Tools Can Help Reduce Readmissions, Reach Underserved Populations, and Cut the Cost of SUD
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 10th at 1 p.m. EST

Digital recovery engagement tools go where clinics can't, providing sustained, culturally responsive support through SMS outreach, peer connection, and family engagement, regardless of geography or circumstance.

At our upcoming webinar, CHESS Health CEO Hans Morefield and Senior Director of Recovery Services Bridget Crumley will show you how states, counties, and tribes have deployed these tools to reach and retain their most vulnerable populations, and what the outcomes data shows.

Register today!

SUD costs spike when people disengage. Learn how health plans and public agencies use digital tools to sustain recovery at scale.

06/02/2026

We’re excited to attend the i2i Spring Conference on June 9th!

Our Customer Success team will be onsite to share how organizations across North Carolina are driving strong participant engagement, increasing provider utilization, and supporting individuals with 24/7 digital recovery tools.

Stop by to explore new strategies, celebrate your progress, and learn about upcoming enhancements designed to support the incredible work happening across your community.