Pathways to Treatment: Oregon deflection programs for people who use drugs
Official title: Pathways to Treatment: Assessing Effectiveness and Implementation of Oregon's Deflection Programs for People who Use Drugs
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11415916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multisite study in Oregon looks at how three different deflection programs connect people with substance use disorders to treatment and services, aiming to keep them out of the criminal-legal system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $633,328 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA064497-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with substance use disorder in Oregon counties where deflection programs are implemented.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not currently involved in deflection programs or without access to the linked services may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine how well three types of deflection programs are adopted, implemented, and maintained across multiple counties in Oregon. It will measure how many people the programs reach, and whether participation leads to more treatment and less involvement with the criminal-legal system. Researchers will use a mix of interviews with law enforcement, district attorneys, and behavioral health leaders, plus data from counties to evaluate outcomes. The work will help communities understand which models work best and how to scale successful approaches. It is led by the Research Triangle Institute in collaboration with local partners over several years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could guide communities in choosing and implementing deflection programs that reduce criminal justice involvement and increase access to treatment for PWUD.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing interest in deflection models, with prior work suggesting potential benefits, but this is among the first multisite evaluations in Oregon.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smiley-Mcdonald, Hope Marie — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Smiley-Mcdonald, Hope Marie
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.