Eatontown, N.J. (November 8, 2022) – RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR) announces it will take part in a new project funded by the National Institutes of Health – the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (NIH HEAL) Initiative. The project will create new research centers to support communities most affected by the pain, opioid and overdose crises with the goal of providing lasting, scientific solutions to the opioid crisis through evidence-based scientific research. IFPR will serve as one of 67 national community partners that will focus on how to best to link community recovery organizations with proven tools and deliver lay-friendly, culturally-appropriate information to communities most impacted by addiction.
A key component of the new HEAL Research Dissemination and Engagement Center (R-DEC) is to build bridges between HEAL researchers and community partners to make the results of research available to communities impacted by the opioid epidemic. The center will work closely with HEAL-funded scientists, the HEAL Data Ecosystem, and community partners to translate data and findings to address the needs and priorities of communities standing to benefit most from HEAL research. This will form the foundation for meaningful, two-way communications throughout the life cycle of HEAL projects—from developing research ideas to sharing findings. A focus on health equity will underpin the center’s work at every level.
“We are honored to be among those selected to participate in NIH HEAL Initiative’s new project which will create an online Research Dissemination and Engagement Center (R-DEC), to directly communicate the latest scientific findings to communities most affected by pain, opioid use, overdoses, and related conditions,” said Connie Greene, Senior Vice President, RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery. “The project aligns with our ongoing goal to effectively address the intersection of pain and addiction and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities impacted by the pain, opioid and overdose crises.”
The HEAL R-DEC is co-led by the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) and George Mason University’s HEAL Accelerator Team, which also includes the Addiction Policy Forum, Oregon Social Learning Center, University of Wisconsin, University of Alabama Birmingham, Temple University, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) will lead research dissemination efforts for the center under the direction of Lindsay Singler, MPH, Director of Research Communications, and coordinate project management activities under the direction of Jesse Hickerson, MBA, Manager of Clinical Trial Operations, and partner on engagement activities with support from Community-Campus Partnerships for Health under the direction of Renee Leverty, BSN, MA, Head of DCRI Research Together. The DCRI will co-lead engagement activities for the center in partnership with the George Mason University HEAL Accelerator Team led by principal investigator Faye Taxman, PhD, University Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government and Director of the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!), her co-investigator team, and 67 community collaborator groups.
For more information about the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, visit RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery or call 833-233-IFPR (4377).
About the Institute for Prevention and Recovery
The RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR) is a leader in New Jersey (NJ) for substance use disorder focused prevention and recovery support services. IFPR has almost 30 years of experience providing programs and services implemented by a team of highly skilled and incredibly passionate professionals. Through comprehensive programs offered across NJ, IFPR perpetuates real change by facilitating effective, long-term impact, which creates prevention and recovery prepared communities. IFPR is also recognized for its tobacco cessation services, as well as its Training Institute.
About The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®
The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®, is an aggressive, trans-NIH effort to speed scientific solutions to stem the national opioid public health crisis. Launched in April 2018, the initiative is focused on improving prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse and addiction, and enhancing pain management. For more information, visit the NIH HEAL Initiative. Learn more about the HEAL Research and Dissemination Center.
Media Contact
Lisa Tortorello
973-303-2017
Lisa.Tortorello@rwjbh.org