Executive Summary
Moments after taking the oath of office, Governor Mike DeWine made his priorities clear by signing his very first Executive Order (2019-01D) to establish the RecoveryOhio initiative. This action represented his commitment to saving and transforming the lives of all Ohioans impacted by mental health challenges and substance use disorders. RecoveryOhio was not just a policy — it was a mandate to build a comprehensive system of hope. It was designed to help remove barriers to treatment for Ohioans in need, provide support
services for those in recovery and their families, offer direction for the state’s prevention and education efforts, and work with local law enforcement to provide resources to fight illicit drugs at the source.
Historically, accessing behavioral health services has required navigating a fragmented system of providers, programs, and eligibility requirements, often during moments of urgent need. Traditional directories place the burden on individuals to search endless websites and interpret complex information, which can lead to catastrophic delays in obtaining critical care.
RecoveryRachel, anticipated to be publicly announced in Spring 2026, completely changes this. Developed by the RecoveryOhio Office, it is a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered behavioral health treatment finding platform that transforms how Ohioans locate resources. Instead of relying on static search, individuals can engage with RecoveryRachel conversationally via voice or chat to describe their needs in plain language. The tool meets them wherever they are.
By combining a continuously updated provider database with real-time, guided interaction, the platform helps users move from uncertainty to actionable next steps in minutes. Unlike traditional directories, RecoveryRachel enables dynamic querying and guides individuals through complex terminologies, shifting service delivery from static information to interactive support.
While the solution leverages innovative technology, it is deeply rooted in the principles of Responsible AI and user privacy — a core consideration given the inherently sensitive nature of the mission. The platform was designed with direct input from the individuals it serves. Through numerous focus groups with potential users and providers, the project team ensured that RecoveryRachel handles interactions securely and provides highly relevant responses in the appropriate emotional tone.
The delivered solution, RecoveryRachel, may appear deceptively simple, but that is a result of the project team’s commitment to ensuring absolute accessibility for anyone in crisis. The journey is just beginning, as future phases are already planned that will forever modernize how Ohioans access behavioral health services.
