S P O T L I G H T
GOOD ENTREPRENEURS JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST OPIOID ABUSE
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Reeser and Trofimchuk say theirs is the
world’s first technology-assisted therapy and
have developed a prototype — a biometrically
tuned, wearable wristwatch that will use pre-dictive
analytics and collected data to detect
cravings within the user and alert a family
member or counselor in a time of distress. If
an overdose is detected, future applications
of the watch will deliver the drug Naloxone
(generic Narcan) to reverse the effects of opi-oids
like Heroin, Oxycodone, Fentanyl.
“It’s two parts: it’s data and the wearable.
It’s a data-driven solution that’s been
aggregating together, uncovering patterns that
no one can see because they’re far too elusive.
(We) use that understanding to improve the
outcomes of our neighbors,” Reeser says.
The spark for opiAID came when Reeser
and Trofimchuk were looking for a way to
apply their knowledge of AI for local impact
at an AI monthly meet-up. The duo, found-ers
of virtual workspace company IT Works
Wilmington, were already knee-deep in cloud-based
technology and the team they assembled
had in-depth knowledge and skills to create
the environment necessary to opiAid.
“At the core, technology just makes things
better, faster, cheaper. That’s the whole pur-pose.
Any tool can be used for the good and
the bad. A shovel is technically technology.
You can use it to dig a hole and plant a tree
that everyone can enjoy and it’s beautiful, or
you can take it and whack your neighbor over
the head with it,” Reeser says.
The opiAID team doesn’t intend this wear-able
watch to be a shiny, expensive toy, but
rather a truly accessible device that will make
a dramatic impact to the epidemic.
“We call it opiAID and not opiSOLVE for a
reason,” Reeser says. “We have no illusion that
technology-assisted care will actually solve the
problem, but we believe it will be a tool in the
toolbox that will make a significant dent.”
David Reeser and Stan Trofimchuk
in the collaborative workspace at
tekMountain, Wilmington. Reeser
(left) is wearing the biometrically
tuned watch prototype.
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