Center for Innovative Research, Capacity Building and Leadership Development to End Substance Use Harms (CIRCLE)

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

Center for Innovative Research, Capacity Building and Leadership Development to End Substance Use Harms (CIRCLE) Drug and alcohol use related health problems and overdose deaths disproportionately impact quality and longevity of life for many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. The Center for Innovative Research, Capacity Building and Leadership Development to End Substance Use Harms (CIRCLE) P50 aims to address drug use related health problems in collaboration with AI/AN communities. Through research, training, and outreach, we will respond to calls for enhanced focus on recovery and prevention, sources of strength, and policy solutions. The P50 Cores and Research Projects will operate with emphasis on four cross-cutting domains: 1) Substance Use Research Leadership; 2) Community/Tribally Based Participatory Research (C/TBPR); 3) Precision Public Health; and 4) Centering Community Strengths. Reflecting these thematic approaches, the Center's overarching aims include conducting impact-focused C/TBPR to identify substance use risk and protective factors and intervention effects across distinct contexts. We will also foster the development of junior scholars to expand capacity and innovation in research, practice, and policy surrounding alcohol and drug use. We further aim to expand and deepen our engagement with educational facilities, researchers, Tribal and Urban American Indian communities, policy makers, and the public to serve as a national resource for more rapid uptake and sharing of novel methods, measures, and programs in service to reducing drug use harms. To achieve these goals, the Center will house the following: 1) Administrative Core to oversee management, administrative structures, scientific priorities, and training activities; 2) Research Core to provide methodological expertise to support the research of the Center; 3) Pilot Project Core to support innovation in drug use research, and 4) Three Research Projects that will conduct multidisciplinary and synergistic science focused on drug use prevention, intervention, and policy.