Nicholas Swope Uses Artificial Intelligence to Expand Recovery Services in Appalachia

Nicholas Swope was pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at East Tennessee State University when he served as a Region IV PHTC Pathways to Practice Scholar in the Summer of 2025. He completed his field placement with Recovery Resources in Kingsport, Tennessee, a rural Appalachian community-based organization supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. 

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural recovery organizations—such as limited staffing, funding constraints, and the complex needs of clients—Nicholas developed a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools known as the Recovery Support Toolbox. The project’s flagship innovation, “Jesse,” is a 24/7 AI-based recovery chatbot designed to extend access to support services beyond traditional hours, improve the consistency of information shared with clients, and free up staff to focus on high-touch, relationship-centered work. 

A pilot evaluation of Jesse AI found high user satisfaction and strong potential to save time and enhance service delivery, demonstrating how technology can help rural organizations expand their reach while maintaining the human connection essential to recovery. 

According to Nicholas, this experience deepened his passion for advancing rural health through responsible innovation. 

“This experience has reinforced my commitment to serving underserved communities and affirmed that with the right approach, tools like AI can be harnessed to amplify our impact. As I continue my career, I carry forward the skills, insights, and inspiration gained from this internship – confident that they have prepared me to be both a thoughtful practitioner and an agent of positive change in the public health field.”