Investigating racial disparities in outcomes after involuntary commitment by law enforcement
Official title: Examining racial disparities in fatal overdose, self-harm, and perpetrating assaults following law enforcement-mediated involuntary commitment
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10999467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being involuntarily committed for mental health issues affects people, especially focusing on differences between racial groups, and it wants to understand how police involvement in this process impacts their safety and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $541,961 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD018404-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced involuntary commitment due to mental health or substance use issues, particularly from racially marginalized communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone involuntary commitment or do not have a history of mental health or substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the effects of involuntary commitment (IVC) on individuals, particularly focusing on racial disparities in outcomes such as fatal overdose, self-harm, and assaults. It looks at how law enforcement's role in apprehending individuals for IVC impacts their mental health and safety. The study will analyze data from various communities to understand the ethical implications and the effectiveness of IVC in protecting individuals and public safety. By exploring these issues, the research aims to highlight the complexities surrounding mental health treatment and racial inequalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions and policies that address racial disparities in treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that examining the intersection of law enforcement and mental health treatment can reveal significant disparities and inform better practices, suggesting that this approach has potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosen, David L — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Rosen, David L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.