LMI Enters RWJF Opioid Challenge

Loving Mind Institute, Inc. a 501(c)3 national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing biomedical research and scientific initiatives in mental illness and addiction announces their entry into the RWJF Opioid Challenge, www.opioidchallenge.com. The RWJF Opioid Challenge issued requests for submission of innovative apps that will support and connect those affected by opioid misuse, through the identification of resources, facilities, and educational content for support and to connect patients, caregivers, and peers digitally. Successful advancement results in a first place award of $50K with additional payouts for finalists and second and third place awardees.

Over 2 million Americans suffer from opioid misuse and addiction, with over 64,000 fatal overdoses in 2016. “The Overdose Challenge is a good fit for LMI’s mission to advance scientific initiatives in mental illness and addiction,” says founder Marion Riggs. “Our app submission presents an innovative tool to help save lives and improve access to recovery,” says Cole Lyman, LMI web and app developer.

The Opioid Challenge is presented by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, powered by catalyst @ Health 2.0, and partnered with Shatterproof. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is the nation’s largest philanthropy dedicated solely to health. Since 1972, RWJF has supported research and programs targeting some of America’s most pressing health issues—from substance abuse to improving access to quality health care. Health 2.0 promotes, showcases and catalyzes new technologies in health care. Through a worldwide series of conferences, code-a-thons, and prize challenges, we bring together the best minds, resources and technology for compelling panels, discussions and product demonstrations, and more. Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastation the disease of addiction causes families. Based upon the Surgeon General’s recent report and backed by decades of research, Shatterproof’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Task Force issued its Eight National Principles of Care for the treatment of addiction that will improve outcomes and save lives.

About the Loving Mind Institute

The Loving Mind Institute (LMI), Inc. is a 501(c)3 national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing biomedical research and scientific initiatives in mental illness and addiction. Mental illness and addiction are devastating to patients, friends, family, and to society as a whole. The numbers are staggering. 1 in 6 American adults (44.7 million) live with a form mental illness from mild to severe, and 10.4 million suffer from a severe form of mental illness. In 2014, approximately 21.5 million people aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year. To address this public health crisis, LMI coordinates scientific and educational campaigns aimed at improving medical and therapeutic outcomes for affected populations. Towards this aim, LMI will fund biomedical research and other targeted scientific initiatives that fundamentally improve our knowledge and treatment of these conditions. As part of our scientific initiatives outreach, LMI utilizes print, social media, and digital tools to translate scientific progress and treatment information to the community.