JCOIN Phase II Coordination and Translation Center

George Mason University, Fairfax VA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

George Mason University JCOIN Phase II Coordination and Translation Center PI: Faye Taxman FAIN: U2CDA050097 Abstract for the overall JCOIN Coordination and Translation Center Individuals involved in the criminal legal system (CLS) are at greater risk for overdose than the general public. This renewal proposal is for the JCOIN 2.0 Coordination and Translation Center (CTC), designed to advance use of scientific knowledge on effective policies, practices, and programs in legal, community, and/or health settings. The proposed CTC team successfully established and executed the JCOIN 1.0 CTC. Core leaders in health-legal research and practice disciplines include Faye S. Taxman, Amy Murphy, and Judith Wilde (Mason), Jessica Hulsey (Addiction Policy Forum), Danielle S. Rudes (Sam Houston State University), Todd Molfenter (University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Carrie Pettus (Wellbeing & Evaluation Innovations). Our expertise covers the legal system including deflection (Taxman, Pettus); pretrial, courts and adjudication (Taxman, Pettus, Murphy, Wilde); institutional corrections and jails (Taxman, Rudes, Pettus, Molfenter); community corrections (Taxman, Rudes, Pettus, Murphy, Molfenter); policing (Taxman); prosecution and defense (Pettus); community treatment (all), to name a few. The team is committed scholars and practitioners with various disciplines and geography. The CTC goals are: Aim 1: Dissemination to reduce the translational gap in legal-health-community organizations; Aim 2: Meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration; Aim 3: Expanded outreach and capacity building to workforce, students, practitioners, and community organizations; and Aim 4: Implementation to reduce the translational gap. In JCOIN 1.0, this CTC engaged researchers, practitioners, and families to access research that can improve the delivery of prevention and treatment policies, practices, and programs. We had many successes including a website with over 240,000 page views, 65 original eCourses and webinars that reached over 6,300 course enrollments, and four seasons of the Aced It podcast with 11,000 downloads. In JCOIN 2.0, the CTC will further efforts aimed at conducting outreach, disseminating information, co-production with stakeholders of materials and products, conducting spread and scale-up studies, funding 14 grants, and developing the workforce and early career researchers on JCOIN-related studies. Innovations include adding to the External Advisory Panels; translating JCOIN- related research findings into actionable steps, testing the Implementation Translation Spread and Scale-Up (I-TranSS) framework in five or more low-cost studies, funding 14 grantees, expanding LEAP to 40 scholars and 40 investigators, providing TA to fulfill 100 requests or more, expanding JTEC for target audiences, and prioritizing health as part of translation, dissemination, and implementation efforts. The CTC is energized to set new records on translation and dissemination to health and justice audiences and impact the uptake and penetration of JCOIN and other HEAL-funded studies into everyday practice. There are minor changes to the aims to ensure compliance with 2025 Executive Orders. Modified Abstract and Specific Aims Section Administrative Core Abstract The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network (JCOIN 2.0) provides an opportunity to advance the criminal legal system (CLS) as a provider of services, particularly for those with opioid use disorders (OUD) or other substance use (SU) behaviors who are at risk for overdose. The Administrative (Admin) Core is co-led by Dr. Faye Taxman and Ms. Amy Murphy with Dr. Carrie Pettus and collaborators from each Coordination Translation Center (CTC) Core and proposed CTC affiliates. The proposed Admin Core for JCOIN 2.0 is the same team that led JCOIN 1.0. The CTC team represents an experienced cadre of scholars, practitioners, and people with lived experience in the CLS and team members with expertise in overdose and SU prevention and treatment. The Admin Core will serve the critical function of being the communication center that allows for the receipt and transmission of all resources regarding JCOIN initiatives. The Admin Core and its website and social media outlets serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, treatment providers, CLS professionals, individuals and their loved ones, and the general public. The CTC Admin Core will provide support to NIDA, funded research Hubs (Hubs), Methodology and Advanced Analytics Resource Center (MAARC), Advisory Panel(s), the JCOIN Steering Committee (SC), and other CTC Cores. The Admin Core proposes to pursue three aims. Aim 1: Maintain and enhance external-facing communications infrastructure established in JCOIN 1.0 and expand that infrastructure in JCOIN 2.0. Admin Core diffusion of information will be measured by website engagement, social media reach, podcast downloads, and characteristics and backgrounds of individuals consuming disseminated content. Aim 2: Provide internal collaboration and communication infrastructure and logistical support. In JCOIN 2.0, the Admin Core will focus benchmarks for success around the use and enhancement of communication infrastructure, ease and frequency of infrastructure use, development of publications and toolkits, and successful support for the JCOIN SC. Aim 3: Monitor network outputs. This aim will be achieved through positive collaboration among the JCOIN community and external stakeholders, and timely and innovative reporting to NIDA and grantees. The Admin Core maintains a highly utilized JCOIN website that has been enhanced in each year of JCOIN 1.0. The Admin Core aims to add enhancements during JCOIN 2.0 including a) an Opportunity Board; b) JCOIN Events Calendar; c) Sensitivity readers and language bots; d) Varied audience augmentations; e) Public and private dashboards; e) JCOIN Town Halls; and f) Educational and Artificial Intelligence features. JTEC will continue and expanded in JCOIN 2.0, which is a dynamic online learning center that reached thousands in JCOIN 1.0 with courses, webinars, and podcasts widely available. Aims The Admin Core will serve the critical function of being the communication center that allows for the receipt and transmission of all resources regarding JCOIN initiatives. The Admin Core and its website and social media outlets serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, treatment providers, CLS professionals, individuals and their loved ones, and the general public. The CTC Admin Core will provide support to NIDA, funded research Hubs (Hubs), Methodology and Advanced Analytics Resource Center (MAARC), Advisory Panel(s), the JCOIN Steering Committee (SC), and other CTC Cores. The Admin Core proposes to pursue three aims. Aim 1: Maintain and enhance external-facing communications infrastructure established in JCOIN 1.0 and expand that infrastructure in JCOIN 2.0. Admin Core diffusion of information will be measured by website engagement, social media reach, podcast downloads, and the characteristics and backgrounds of individuals consuming disseminated content. Aim 2: Provide internal collaboration and communication infrastructure and logistical support. In JCOIN 2.0, the Admin Core will focus benchmarks for success around the use and enhancement of communication infrastructure, ease and frequency of infrastructure use, development of publications and toolkits, and successful support for the JCOIN SC. Aim 3: Monitor network outputs. This aim will be achieved through positive collaboration among the JCOIN community and external stakeholders, and timely and innovative reporting to NIDA and grantees. The Admin Core maintains a highly utilized JCOIN website that has been enhanced in each year of JCOIN 1.0. The Admin Core aims to add enhancements during JCOIN 2.0 including a) an Opportunity Board; b) JCOIN Events Calendar; c) Wide-ranging audience augmentations; d) Public and private dashboards; e) JCOIN Town Halls; and f) Educational and Artificial Intelligence features. JTEC will continue and expand in JCOIN 2.0, which is a dynamic online learning center that reached thousands in JCOIN 1.0 with courses, webinars, and podcasts widely available. Dissemination and Stakeholder Core (DSEC) Abstract Millions of individuals and loved ones are impacted by opioid and other substance use disorders (SUD) and tragic overdoses each year. Yet, as researchers and other health professionals’ quest for empirically supported practices surges, the voices of prospective patients and loved ones are unheard, particularly among those with criminal legal system (CLS) engagement. The Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement Core (DSEC) extends beyond researcher-practitioner partnerships to include the partnership of patients and loved ones in the development, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based prevention and treatment services for opioid use disorder (OUD), SUD, and overdose risk behaviors. Recognizing that uptake of effective practices requires not only researcher-practitioner buy-in and engagement but also patient receptivity and uptake, DSEC proposes four aims. Aim 1: Stakeholder engagement with network leadership. To achieve this aim, DSEC will enhance the work of JCOIN 1.0 by establishing a boards of individuals impacted by adding membership to the currently established Practitioner and Stakeholder Boards. Aim 2: Outreach and training for stakeholders. Maximizing the findings from JCOIN 1.0, DSEC will deploy six webinars annually to translate findings of JCOIN 1.0; develop two new courses annually on emerging topics and evidence; and present monthly dashboard reports to stakeholders. Aim 3: Rapid translation of research findings for stakeholder audiences. Aim 3 will be achieved by DESC developing 12 summaries per year of JCOIN 1.0 and JCOIN 2.0 research findings; three video explainers of the evidence per year; one comprehensive toolkit per year; six fact sheets or issue briefs per year; and numerous dissemination products suitable for newsletters and external stakeholder networks. Aim 4: Identifying and engaging potential sites for future JCOIN activities. DSEC serves as a central resource for the growing network of champions by engaging stakeholders to incorporate concerns and values into the JCOIN processes and will identify sites and partnerships for future JCOIN research. DSEC will accomplish this through marketing efforts and JCOIN’s CONNECT discovery tool, which was developed in JCOIN 1.0 to support researcher-practitioner collaborations. Learning from the feedback of JCOIN 1.0, the proposed JCOIN 2.0 extends DSEC approaches to linking the Boards with NIDA leadership and HEAL researchers; partnering with the TA Core to extend outreach to communities and individuals who can gain access to scientific discoveries and essential resources such as geospatial tools; increasing stakeholder and patient engagement in the co- production of dissemination materials; and working with the Admin and I-Trans Cores to speed and spread adoption of evidenced-informed policies and interventions. DSEC work will be guided by an Integrated Community Engagement Framework (ICEF) and represents a connection to the vast stakeholders which links researchers to constituents to add value to research, analyses, translation, dissemination, and implementation. Aims DSEC will accomplish its objectives with corresponding benchmarks related to fostering JCOIN’s goals of increasing research-informed practice in the CLS and health fields. Aim 1: Stakeholder Engagement with Network Leadership. Continue coordinating a national network of key champions of professionals working in health systems, CLS, community and government services, and individuals who can serve as trusted messengers. Aim 2: Outreach and Training for Stakeholders. Develop and disseminate various informational content and resources to expand the translation of evidence-based science and advance the implementation of various topics, including webinars, online courses, and training curricula. Aim 3: Rapid Translation of Research Findings for Stakeholder Audiences. DSEC will continue to deliver content that translates research findings into actionable formats for different audiences. Rapid translation will commence in Year 1 of JCOIN 2.0 focusing on JCOIN 1.0 research findings. Aim 4: Identify and Engage Potential Sites for Future Network Activities. DSEC serves as a central resource for the growing network of champions by engaging relevant stakeholders to incorporate concerns, needs, and values into the JCOIN research processes, and will identify potential sites and partnerships for future JCOIN research. Implementation Core Abstract Overdose deaths occur at an alarming pace, particularly among those with criminal legal system (CLS) involvement, and public health professionals continue to seek solutions to reverse this trend. Although empirically supported prevention and treatment interventions for overdose and substance use disorders exist, and a rapidly emerging evidence base of innovations became possible through JCOIN, tools for diffusing evidence-based programs, policies, and practices beyond small scale efforts are nascent. There is an urgent need for applied models for large-scale spread and scale-up of evidence- based innovations (EBIs) within criminal legal/public health systems that can bridge knowledge translation between researchers and practitioners and move beyond small-scale adoption of innovations. The Implementation and Translation (I-Trans) Core will fill this need by creating and testing a model for EBI spread and scale-up for CLS agencies and populations to promote the dissemination and implementation of life-changing strategies. The model is to be called the Implementation Translation Spread and Scale-Up Model (I-TranSS Model) and will integrate conceptual underpinnings from several other models, including the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research; Diffusion of Innovation theory; and Knowledge Translation Complexity Network Model. Building on the experiences of JCOIN 1, the team proposes to pursue three new aims in JCOIN 2. Aim 1: Develop an implementation knowledge translation model (I-TransSS Model). A key element of the Model is a Translation Spread and Scale-up Matrix, which will be developed by the I-Trans Core, that is designed for researchers and practitioners to use to select effective dissemination and implementation strategies to be applied based on inner and outer contextual factors and selected implementation strategies. JCOIN 1.0 researchers and HEAL researchers conducting criminal legal system-related studies, research participants in JCOIN Hub studies, and other implementation experts will be key to the development of the I-TranSS Model. Aim 2: Generate evidence about effective approaches of translating findings into practice while emphasizing conducting exploratory research on elements of the I-TranSS Model. The I-TranSS Core will use the Coaching Extender Platform developed in JCOIN 1.0 and the dissemination and implementation of planned and emergent topics as a learning lab to test key aspects of the I-TranSS Model including the Translation and Scale-up Matrix. Aim 3: Implement a methods component to document spread and scale up using quantitative and qualitative methods and measures that foster knowledge of effective techniques. This activity will result in an inventory of measurement methods that researchers and practitioners use to provide feedback on spread and scale-up activities. The I-TranSS Model will be used to frame the design of the implementation research projects. JCOIN 1.0 and 2.0 will present opportunities to learn about the most effective dissemination and implementation spread and scale-up efforts across JCOIN networks and the greater HEAL community. Aims The Implementation & Translation Research Project (I-Trans) Core will fill this need by creating and testing a model for EBI spread and scale-up for CLS agencies and populations to promote the dissemination and implementation of life- changing strategies. The Implementation Translation Spread and Scale-up Model (I-TranSS Model) will integrate conceptual underpinnings from several other models, including the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research; Diffusion of Innovation Theory; and Knowledge Translation Complexity Network Model. Building on the experiences in JCOIN 1.0, the team will pursue three new aims in JCOIN 2.0. Aim 1: Develop an implementation knowledge translation model (I-TranSS Model). A key element of the Model is a Translation Spread and Scale-up Matrix, which will be developed by the I-Trans Core, and designed for researchers and practitioners to use to select effective dissemination and implementation strategies that will be applied based on inner and outer contextual factors. JCOIN 1.0 researchers and HEAL researchers in CLS-related studies, research participants in JCOIN 1.0 studies, and other implementation experts will be key to the development of the I-TranSS Model. Aim 2: Generate evidence about effective approaches to translate findings into practice while emphasizing conducting exploratory research on elements of the I-TranSS Model. The I-Trans Core will use the Coaching Extender Platform developed in JCOIN 1.0 and the dissemination and implementation of planned and emergent topics as a learning lab to test key aspects of the I-TranSS Model, including the Translation and Scale-up Matrix. Aim 3: Implement a methods component to document spread and scale-up using quantitative and qualitative methods and identify measures suitable to foster knowledge of effective techniques. This activity will result in an inventory of measurements and/or methods that researchers and practitioners can use to provide feedback on spread and scale-up activities. The I-TranSS Model will be used to frame the design of future implementation research projects. The I-Trans Core will provide opportunities for the participants of the Research Education Core (REC) to gain experience conducting implementation research. JCOIN 1.0 and 2.0 will present opportunities to learn about the most effective dissemination and implementation spread and scale-up efforts in JCOIN- related studies. Rapid Response and Pilot Research Core (RRPR) Abstract The overdose crisis in the United States is continually evolving and rapid knowledge generation is critical to preventing unnecessary deaths and promoting public health. The Rapid Response and Pilot Research Core (RRPR) seeks to respond to this challenge of generating evidence that can quickly be adopted into the field. RRPR proposes an effective and efficient process to facilitate research and evaluation discoveries and translation of practices to the field. RRPR will administer small grants that assess the impact of emerging policies and practices; pilot new promising approaches to overdose and issues related to criminal legal system (CLS) involvement; and conduct analysis of JCOIN 1.0 data. The RRPR is grounded in four specific aims. Aim 1: Reestablish an Advisory Committee from within and outside JCOIN. The RRPR Advisory Committee will represent each of the JCOIN Hubs, the Coordination and Translation Center (CTC), the Methodology and Advanced Analytics Resource Center (MAARC), individuals and families with lived experience of CLS involvement, individuals who work in systems at the intersection of public health and criminal legal system involvement, and NIDA. Aim 2: Refine and improve the infrastructure, policies, procedures, and management for a rapid cycle pilot research and evaluation application and grant-funding program in collaboration with the CTC and NIDA. Aim 3: Monitor funded programs through quarterly and annual reporting. Aim 4: Improve the processes for encouraging novel research and evaluation projects by refining the proposal submission portal for non-JCOIN and JCOIN scholars and practitioners to connect and collaborate with JCOIN Investigators. The proposed JCOIN 2.0 will widen its recruitment efforts for grant applicants in collaboration with the Dissemination and Stakeholder Education Core, the Research Education Core, and the Administrative Core. JCOIN 1.0 Research Hubs as well as the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Agency and the Bureau of Justice Assistance COSSUP program stakeholders will also be engaged to tap into the extensive networks and partnerships for prospective grant applicants. The priority areas for proposals will be developed in collaboration with NIDA, the CTC, the JCOIN Steering Committee, and the RRPR Advisory Board. Proposals can have up to $135,000 in total costs and occur during an up to 24-month time period, and individuals may receive up to two awards. Each funded project will have a self-identified set of milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics to report to the CTC and NIDA. Building on lessons learned from JCOIN 1.0, in JCOIN 2.0, the CTC will introduce a new service to facilitate dissemination of study findings. Drs. Taxman and Pettus from the CTC will host individual sessions with researchers and evaluators to guide them through the journal article writing and submission processes. This will serve to further disseminate RRPR study findings, as well as to elevate the audiences for RRPR innovation studies. RRPR recipients will be encouraged to engage with CONNECT, the online platform to connect research and practitioners in order to share expertise and facilitate collaborations. Aims The RRPR is grounded in four specific aims. Aim 1: Reestablish an Advisory Committee from within and outside JCOIN. The RRPR Advisory Committee will represent each of the JCOIN Hubs, the Coordination and Translation Center (CTC), the Methodology and Advanced Analytics Resource Center (MAARC), individuals and families with lived experience of CLS involvement, individuals who work in systems at the intersection of public health and CLS involvement, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Aim 2: Refine and improve the infrastructure, policies, procedures, and management for a rapid cycle pilot research and evaluation application and grant-funding program in collaboration with the CTC and NIDA. Aim 3: Monitor funded programs through quarterly and annual reporting. Aim 4: Improve the processes for encouraging novel research and evaluation projects by refining the proposal submission portal for non-JCOIN and JCOIN scholars and practitioners to connect and collaborate with JCOIN Investigators. Research Capacity Core (REC, Capacity Building Core) Abstract Rates of overdose continue to soar throughout the United States and, compared to the general population, former carceral residents are up to 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release from incarceration. Overdose is preventable with empirically supported interventions. Yet, effective adoption of scientific discoveries into practice remains a formidable challenge for public health efforts and one of the largest barriers to significantly reducing the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD), overdoses, and related deaths – particularly among criminal legal system-involved individuals. The proposed Research Education Core (REC) team recognizes that training emerging researchers – including early career academic scholars, research-oriented practitioners, and field-based advocates - has substantial potential to overcome research translation problems for the field. The REC program Learning Experiences to Advance Practice (LEAP) builds on the team’s success leading REC in JCOIN 1.0. The REC leadership team has three aims. Aim 1: Provide research education and skill-building to enhance the knowledge and skills of all JCOIN members and other interested parties to conduct research with criminal legal/health agencies, their staff, and involved persons using curated content created by research experts via eLearning courses, short training experiences, and a podcast through the LEAP Learner program. Aim 2: Create and deliver innovative training, mentorship, and support for an interdisciplinary cohort of 40 talented researchers (LEAP Investigators) and 40 research-interested/involved practitioners (LEAP Scholars) to enhance research competencies, facilitate networking connections with JCOIN researchers, and enhance career trajectories. Aim 3: Formulate and coordinate a LEAP Advisory Board with varied experiences. The proposed innovations for JCOIN 2.0 respond to the RFA and include: six topically focused training packages with short introductory modules and Quick Learning Bursts (QLB) on each topic; JCOIN Grand Round Style lectures; and two new seasons per year of the widely followed Aced It podcast “Turning Science into Sense.” In JCOIN 2.0, LEAP Scholar training will differ from JCOIN 1.0 training in that there will be a deeper focus on implementation science and increased opportunities to engage in the Implementation and Translation Research Projects Core. LEAP Scholars will be mentored through experiential projects using implementation frameworks like Re-Aim or EPIS. LEAP Investigators will also build on the feedback from JCOIN 1.0. In JCOIN 2.0, the team proposes that instead of mentorship ending after a year or two, mentoring and alumni opportunities will be made available indefinitely. Similarly, the networking and experiential project activities will be enhanced. LEAP participants will receive detailed training in the responsible conduct of research. The REC advisory board, consisting of JCOIN 2.0 members and individuals with varied experiences working in or supervised by the criminal legal and/or health systems, will provide expertise, curricular review, and learning opportunity dissemination. Aims The REC program Learning Experiences to Advance Practice (LEAP) builds on the team’s success leading REC in JCOIN 1.0. The REC leadership team has three aims. Aim 1: Provide research education and skill-building to enhance the knowledge and skills of all JCOIN members and other interested parties to conduct research with criminal legal/health agencies, their staff, and involved persons using curated content created by research experts via eLearning courses, short training experiences, and a podcast series through the LEAP Learner program. Aim 2: Create and deliver innovative training, mentorship, and support for a varied and interdisciplinary cohort of 40 talented early career researchers (LEAP Investigators) and 40 research-interested and/or involved practitioners (LEAP Scholars) to enhance research competencies, facilitate networking connections with JCOIN researchers, and enhance career trajectories. Aim 3: Formulate and coordinate a LEAP Advisory Board that covers the breadth of stakeholders interested in JCOIN- related research. Technical Assistance Core Abstract The JCOIN 2.0 Technical Assistance (TA) Core promotes the uptake of scientific knowledge to address overdose and substance use disorders at individual, community, organizational, and policy levels. TA includes activities to increase awareness of research findings, identify pertinent scientific studies, facilitate one-on-one discussions and partnerships with researchers; customize evidence-informed practices to local needs and contexts; assist with evaluation plans; facilitate dissemination and implementation support; and establish enduring learning communities and toolkits. The proposed TA Core will pursue three aims. Aim 1: Provide community-based organizations, justice/legal system organizations, and other state and local government agencies with ready access to information on research findings, particularly from JCOIN, that are pertinent to advancing the use and uptake of evidence-informed treatments and practices. Aim 2: Provide hands-on technical assistance to facilitate implementation and uptake of research findings into practice using proven implementation strategies, including quality improvement strategies. Aim 3: Develop materials that address the needs of stakeholders to implement evidence-informed practices. A central feature of the TA work is to enhance researcher-practitioner partnerships. Research-practitioner partnerships can enhance strategic planning, fill gaps in treatment and service delivery needs, develop and implement evidence-driven programs and strategies, and engage in continual evaluation, quality improvement, and innovation. A special feature of the proposed TA Core is the ability to customize TA to the needs of the requesting jurisdiction. The range of TA includes customized assessment, virtual learning or consultation, peer-to-peer interactions, access to researchers working in areas of interest, and website exchanges. TA team members will work with requesting organizations to assess needs, identify resources, facilitate exchanges and interactions with researchers or organizations that have adopted and/or implemented empirical research into practice. The TA Core team will engage in special outreach efforts with the opioid abatement efforts at the state level and with Tribal Communities. Working with the other CTC Cores, the TA Core will focus on helping jurisdictions target resources to advance the implementation of evidence-informed practices and treatments. The TA Core will develop several courses such as “Measuring Overdose Prevention and Response Efforts”; “Community-Based Organization Innovations in Data Collection”; and will create toolkits on “Data Collection for Community-Based Organizations”; “Using Geospatial Analyses”, and “Integrating Prevention Efforts in overdose practices and practices”. Aims The JCOIN 2.0 Technical Assistance (TA) Core promotes the uptake of scientific knowledge to address overdose and substance use disorders (SUD) at individual, community, organizational, and policy levels. Aim 1: Provide hands-on technical assistance to facilitate implementation and uptake of research findings into practice using proven implementation strategies, including quality improvement processes and learning communities. Aim 2: Provide community-based organizations, justice/criminal legal system organizations, and other state and local government agencies with ready access to research findings, from JCOIN 1.0 and 2.0 studies, that are pertinent to advancing the use and uptake of evidence-informed treatments and practices. This aim will produce eight research syntheses throughout Year 2 that translate JCOIN findings into accessible, actionable knowledge for practitioners. Aim 3: Develop materials that address the needs of stakeholders to implement evidence-informed practices.