Innovative digital app offers increased support for substance use recovery
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (June 2025) – Arkansas Health & Wellness, administrator of Ambetter health insurance, today announced a strategic partnership with Sober Sidekick, the fastest-growing digital health application in North America, to expand access to addiction recovery support across Arkansas. This collaboration aims to reduce relapse rates and foster real-time peer support for individuals battling substance use disorder in the state. Utilizing direct mail, email and social media campaigns, Arkansas Health & Wellness is driving member and provider awareness of Sober Sidekick. This innovative and accessible tool may provide particularly those who are underserved, geographically isolated, or unengaged with traditional recovery services.
“We believe this partnership has the potential to greatly impact addiction recovery in Arkansas,” said John Ryan, Arkansas Health & Wellness Plan President and CEO. “Together, with Sober Sidekick, we’re not only increasing access to resources but also fostering a supportive community to engage and empower individuals on their recovery journey.”
The partnership will leverage Sober Sidekick’s peer-driven digital community to promote meaningful recovery engagement and provide support where it’s needed most. Sober Sidekick, known for its unique ability to engage users through a community-based approach, will use its platform to connect individuals with tools and resources in their communities. By gathering and analyzing behavioral insights, the partnership will enable a deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities, allowing for more proactive and supportive care. By combining Arkansas Health & Wellness’ commitment to community health with Sober Sidekick’s expertise in digital engagement, the initiative seeks to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and ultimately save lives.
“Our mission is to ensure no one faces addiction recovery alone,” said Chris Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder of Sober Sidekick. “This collaboration allows us to scale our efforts and make a measurable impact in Arkansas, empowering individuals to write their own comeback stories. Together, we can help more people overcome challenges, reclaim their lives, and support Arkansas Health & Wellness in delivering even greater value to its Ambetter members.”
For more information about this partnership, visit sobersidekick.com. Join the movement to support recovery in Arkansas by downloading the Sober Sidekick app or by sharing this resource with someone in need.
About Sober Sidekick:
Sober Sidekick is a digital platform empowering individuals on their recovery journey through peer support, data-driven insights, and access to life-saving resources. Committed to fostering connection and reducing barriers to recovery, Sober Sidekick has become a trusted tool for those seeking help.
About Arkansas Health & Wellness and Arkansas Total Care
Arkansas Health & Wellness and Arkansas Total Care are managed care companies that deliver quality health care throughout Arkansas. Committed to Helping Arkansas Live Better, Arkansas Health & Wellness and Arkansas Total Care support active local community involvement in all 75 Arkansas counties, with more than 500 employees statewide. Arkansas Health & Wellness and Arkansas Total Care are wholly and partially owned by Centene Corporate Company. For more information, visit https://www.arhealthwellness.com/ and https://www.arkansastotalcare.com/.
About Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the "Foundation"), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) ("Centene"). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene's mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare, social services and education.
