Dr. Harold Jonas Wins First Place in National Opioid Recovery App Challenge by SAMSHA
Clinician and entrepreneur, Harold Jonas, PhD, LMHC, CAP, wins the prestigious national award for his development of FlexDek®MAT Edition – a first-of-kind adaptable smartphone app designed to combat the raging epidemic of opiate addiction
FlexDek® increases client compliance and reduces relapses which often require re-hospitalization by introducing rewards for usage
The clinician and entrepreneur known for developing Sober.com as well as other exceptional recovery oriented products and services since 1994, Dr. Harold Jonas, has won first place in a nationwide technology-based Opioid Recovery App Challenge sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The challenge was launched in March 2016 to encourage the creation of apps which will help patients receiving outpatient medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder maintain their recovery and avoid relapse.
FlexDek® MAT Edition (www.FlexDek.net), submitted by Dr. Jonas, was among numerous eligible entries submitted from across the nation. Entries were reviewed by a panel of technology specialists, subject matter experts, and representatives from throughout the federal government. Entries were evaluated based on certain qualities, such as their contribution to meeting patient needs, creativity, innovation, and practicality of implementation. After an extensive review process, FlexDek® MAT Edition was awarded first place by SAMHSA and a prize of $15,000. The app also won three honorable mentions in the Challenge: for providing specific information and tools for relapse prevention, for finding new ways to live a healthy lifestyle, and bolstering personal motivation for recovery – including reaching out to others in recovery as well as their family and friends.
FlexDek® MAT Edition provides a method of tracking, connecting and providing accountability for those in recovery. It is free for those in recovery and compatible with both Apple and Android. FlexDek® MAT Edition is data-driven, precise and scalable – making it affordable for insurance and treatment providers as well as other stakeholders burdened by increasing costs. The app’s intent is to strengthen client empowerment and solidify a client’s desire, willingness and ability to make choices which will help them build and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Full roll out is slated for November 1, 2016. Presently, Dr. Jonas’ emerging-growth tech company is seeking private equity capital to fuel its next phase of growth to distribute FlexDek® MAT Edition nationwide to combat the raging epidemic of opiate addiction.
