Eshelman Innovation points its venture studio at the opioid crisis

More people die in North Carolina of an accidental drug overdose — usually an opioid — than from any other cause of accidental death.

One of several ways Eshelman Innovation is tackling the opioid epidemic is by launching digital health startup companies that improve outcomes for drug users.

“There’s a new type of first responder forming now to combat the opioid crisis. They’re called PORT [post overdose response] teams — peer support specialists teaming up with the community paramedic,” says Bob Dieterle, Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio managing director. “But they don’t have a … digital health solution to help them provide this incredible service very efficiently.”

Or they didn’t until the creation of Goldie Health, a startup company born out of the Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio.

Dieterle explains the venture studio process and provides an update on Goldie Health during the latest installment of the video series “North Carolina Innovators You Should Know,” hosted by Eshelman Innovation Executive Director John Bamforth. 

Through its video series, Eshelman Innovation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, introduces viewers to UNC-Chapel Hill innovators, like Dieterle, and those at other institutions and companies.

“A rich ecosystem of innovation exists in North Carolina,” Bamforth says. “This video series shines a light on trailblazers across the state.”

Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio’s opioid sprints were supported by the North Carolina Collaboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with funding appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly.  

Thank you to the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media for filming this interview at the Curtis Media Center.  

Thanks also to Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio partners High Alpha Innovation and Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC).