Striking back against opioid addiction, a new program called Workit Health is billing itself as an online startup effort that also is branching out to include a mobile clinic.

"It's digital intervention for people struggling with addiction," said Chrissy Taylor, a Canton resident and Workit Health director of counseling.

With an upcoming launch party in Canton, organizers say the program offers customized online treatment programs, coach support and, when necessary, medication-assisted treatment. They say it is backed by the National Science Foundation as it carves out a new path for opioid abuse treatment.

Users with a computer or tablet can be paired one-on-one for support from a network of certified counselors. They also can find on-demand, virtual medical and other support to make recovery more private.

Taylor said the program can save money. Rather than spending hours every month in professional care settings or paying potentially thousands of dollars for private therapy sessions, Workit Health is intended to provide members with one-on-one support from addiction coaches and user-friendly, interactive, online content and exercises.

Organizers say those in the Workit Clinic portion of the program get a dedicated prescribing physician, medication management and a dedicated Workit Care team.

“We started with the mission of meeting people where they are in their addictions,” said Robin McIntosh, Workit Health’s co-founder and co-CEO. “Our program blends the best of addiction treatment, technology and human-centered design to bring a compelling, compassionate experience."

Taylor said patients typically begin their online treatment after first having in-person sessions with a doctor.

McIntosh said the mobile clinic is Workit Health's solution to not only help individuals start healing, but also to involve local communities "in combating this opioid epidemic.” Organizers say it can help people suffering from opioid addition find information and services they need to fight back.

Taylor said the mobile clinic is just getting started and Workit Health is working to find partner communities.

With startups in Ann Arbor and Oakland, Calif., Workit Health in coming weeks also is planning to start what Taylor described as a pop-up clinic on Michigan Avenue, near Canton Center, where patients on certain days can see a doctor and work out a treatment plan complemented by online programs and coaching.

Workit Health is planning a launch party 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, in the Heritage Park south pavilion in Canton, though the program has no direct affiliation with Canton Township. The party includes a free raffle, prizes, games and food. The public is invited.

Workit Health co-founders McIntosh and Lisa McLaughlin themselves experienced a lack of convenient, proven and affordable treatment options as they went through recovery.

"One of the biggest challenges in overcoming addiction is a lack of customized solutions that ensure long-term success," McLaughlin said. "We’re going where the need is, specifically creating a better solution to help people recover from opioid use."

To learn more about Workit Health, go to http://www.workithealth.com.

dclem@hometownlife.com

Twitter: @CantonObserver

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