Cerner has been selected to implement a new electronic health record system across the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

[See also: Epic links with behavioral health EHR]

The nation's largest nonprofit addiction treatment provider will work with Cerner towards supplementing its behavioral health technology with a recovery management program called My Ongoing Recovery Experience, or MORE, officials say.

The program will be delivered through a patient portal coupled with recovery coach engagement, say Hazelden officials, with the aim of encouraging participants to continue engaging in their recovery as they re-enter the community.

[See also: Behavioral health's EHR conundrum]

The hope is to improve care for those grappling with addiction disorders by integrating tools with clinical workflows to help drive better health for underserved populations.

It's estimated that 40 million Americans – more than one in seven people – have addiction disorders involving nicotine, alcohol or other drugs. The National Drug Intelligence Center puts the total cost of substance abuse in the U.S. at more than $600 billion annually.

"Addiction imposes an enormous financial toll on individuals, businesses and our country," said Cerner President Zane Burke, in press statement. "By collaborating with a world-class addiction-treatment organization like Hazelden Betty Ford, we look forward to enhancing our solution and helping people better manage chronic illnesses."

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation President and CEO Mark Mishek added that partnering with Cerner, "which shares our vision for bringing behavioral health solutions into the care continuum, will enable us to reach more people and be a greater force for help and healing."