NIH – Multi-Site Studies for System-Level Implementation of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services (2021)

By NLADA on March 10, 2021

Applications for first round of this program are due: by July 19, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET

This program seeks research projects that will test implementation strategies intended to achieve system-wide integration of evidence-based practices (interventions, guidelines, or service delivery models) to prevent or treat substance use disorders (broadly defined to include alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as prescription medications). Areas of interest also include implementation of guidelines related to the appropriate use of opioids for pain management in individuals with or at risk for opioid use disorder. When clearly justified, applicants may propose to test strategies that are designed to achieve system-wide de-implementation of programs or clinical practices that are ineffective, unproven, wasteful or harmful.

Applicants are encouraged to test strategies that could achieve implementation on a large scale that is analogous to the way policy changes lead to system-wide changes in prevention and treatment service delivery. Achieving system-level improvements requires implementation strategies that are sufficiently flexible to address the variation in settings and contexts across the entities that comprise a given system, but that are also likely generalizable across multiple evidence-based practices. Thus, the purpose of this FOA is to identify effective strategies to produce systems-level change, while contributing generalizable knowledge about implementation that accounts for variation among service delivery settings and the types of treatments, interventions, and/or guidelines to be implemented.

The multi-site studies supported by this FOA should seek to contribute both practical and conceptual advances. In practical terms, these studies should aim to provide strategies that can be used to effectively deploy guidelines, practices, and policies across entire systems of care. In conceptual terms, these studies should also leverage the multi-site platform to test implementation science hypotheses, explore novel methodological approaches, or test new measures or models that can inform future implementation research in this or other health domains.

Helpful resources

Learn how civil legal aid helps those affected by the opioid crisis in a co-branded NLADA and Justice in Government Project factsheet. On the last page are four examples of partnerships supported by this grant that are currently serving individuals affected by the opioid crisis.
NLADA recently presented at a national conference on how legal aid can help individuals affected by substance use disorders. We also heard from two states on what they’re doing to address the opioid crisis. Access that presentation here.
Last year, NLADA and the Justice in Government Project started publishing a monthly newsletter with curated research and funding information. Read the edition on opioids.
In 2019, NLADA hosted a webinar series on opioids. Access those webinars here.

Grant information

Funding Title: Multi-Site Studies for System-Level Implementation of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Agency Name: National Institutes of Health

Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-21-022

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Express Language for Legal Aid: No, there isn’t express language for legal aid. However, legal aid organizations that work to provide assistance to people with substance abuse issues are eligible.

Target Population: Substance Abuse

Expected Number of Awards:

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Estimated Total Program Funding:

Award Ceiling: $500,000

Award Floor:

Current Closing Date for Applications: First round of applicants must apply by July 19, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible Applicants: For profit organizations other than small businesses, Private institutions of higher education, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, City or township governments, Special district governments, Small businesses, Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), County governments, State governments, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification), Independent school districts, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)