Virginia Patient Engagement Resource Center to Improve Substance Use Treatment
Official title: A Virginia Patient Engagement Resource Center to Improve Substance Abuse Treatment Interventions
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11323543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at improving substance use treatment by listening to adults in Virginia communities most affected and building a patient advisory panel to guide research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $464,479 |
| NIH project number | 5R24DA061203-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+ years old) with substance use disorder in underserved, high-poverty communities in and around Richmond, VA, and their peers.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without SUD or those outside the targeted communities may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant outlines creating a patient advisory panel in Richmond, VA, including people in recovery and peer recovery navigators, to shape research on SUD treatment. The team will use collaboration and user-centered design to understand barriers and co-develop consultation processes with researchers. The effort emphasizes capacity-building so patients can actively contribute ideas and guidance for improving access and engagement in treatment programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience more accessible and responsive SUD treatment options informed by real-world experiences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous projects show that patient advisory panels can inform more effective, acceptable interventions in sensitive health areas.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmerman, Emily Beth — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Zimmerman, Emily Beth
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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.