CARS Receives Four New Substance Abuse Grants

Continuing to lead the way in local and national substance abuse and mental health research, Boston University School of Social Work has received four new grants for addiction-related evaluation and research. Under the direction of Professor Lena Lundgren, and housed out of the Schools’ Center for Addictions Research and Services (CARS), these new research projects are of particular importance to the advancement of addiction studies, and the translation of findings into best practices for addictions-related service providers.

The grant awards include:

Factors Associated With Adopting Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Practices In Community Organizations Funded Through Federal Program Efforts: A National Study, a three-year, $400,000 national project funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This project will examine how well community-based organizations nationwide are able implement substance abuse evidence-based treatments (EBTs), and what factors may contribute to or impede the adoption of EBTs. Dr. Lundgren is the Principal Investigator and Professor Maryann Amodeo is the Co-Investigator on this grant. Final recommendations will also be made for national EBT implementation efficacy.

LaVoz Homeless Treatment Project: Focusing on HIV/AIDS, Housing and Substance Abuse Treatment for Homeless Latino Substance Abusers is a five-year, $400,000 project which will examine the effectiveness of a substance abuse treatment and HIV prevention program for homeless Latinos, created by community-based organization, Tapestry Health in Springfield, MA. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Dr. Lundgren is the Principal Investigator on this grant, and Dr. Luz Lopez serves is the co-investigator. From this study, project researchers hope to find a significant association between program participation and an increase in temporary and permanent housing, as well as in the use of health services.

La Voz: A Needs Assessment and Prevention Project for HIV Substance Abuse Prevention for Latinos, funded by SAMHSA and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), is a also five-year, $383,000 project.  This project will include the development of an HIV and substance abuse prevention program for Latino adults in Springfield, MA. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Luz Lopez and Co-investigator Dr. Lena Lundgren, CARS will conduct a community needs assessment to help develop and shape a comprehensive strategic plan for services. This project is also a collaboration with Tapestry Health.

Tu Bienestar (Your Wellness): Relapse Prevention and Outpatient Services Program for Latino Substance Abusers and their Families is a five-year, $435,000 grant, funded by SAMHSA/CSAT. This project is designed as an outcome study of an HIV prevention and drug relapse prevention program for Latinos’ and their families, administered by community-based organization, Casa Esperanza. Dr. Lena Lundgren is the Principal Investigator and Dr. Maryann Amodeo is the co-investigator on this grant. From this project, SSW researchers will determine if program participation had a significant association with increased health-related testing, entry into treatment services,  and overall mental health, as well as reduced HIV risk behaviors.
Dean Gail Steketee said, “We are thrilled with the announcement of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant and the three grants from SAMHSA, and are very proud of the contributions Drs. Lena Lundgren, Maryann Amodeo,  Luz Lopez and the Center for Addictions Research and Services leadership continue to make. These grants will help inform the direction of substance treatment programs across the United States. This means that populations most at risk will have better access to services that truly work, strengthening both families and communities, and that we’re on the road to closing the gap in health disparities.”

In addition to providing leadership on these four grants, Dr. Lundgren was recently appointed to an expert panel for the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Services Program, where she will consult on a national cross-site study to help inform national policies on HIV outreach, substance abuse and mental health.

About CARS:

The Boston University Center for Addictions Research and Services, based in the School of Social Work (BUSSW), addresses a broad range of addiction issues affecting individuals, families, and communities struggling with substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and access to substance abuse treatment. Leadership is provided by Dr. Lena Lundgren, Director, Dr. Melvin Delgado, Co-Director and Dr. Maryann Amodeo, Co-Director, all nationally recognized in the field of addiction. Their combined expertise has resulted in a record of high quality research, dissemination of research findings through publications and conference presentations, and an array of community innovations and interventions.

About BUSSW:

Distinguished by its urban mission and clinical and macro practice focus, the Boston University School of Social Work is committed to educating masters’ and doctoral level students who will become leaders in a multicultural environment.  The School offers the MSW and PhD degrees, as well as continuing professional education, and its nationally recognized faculty has been ranked 8th among schools of social work with doctoral programs. Located in a diverse and academically rich community, the School offers almost unlimited opportunities for urban social work practice and research. Visit bu.edu/ssw for more information.
About Boston University:

Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 30,000 students, it is the fourth largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 colleges and schools along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes which are central to the school’s research and teaching mission.